Source for cow bones with thick cross-sections?

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

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Aug 13, 2002
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The ones I bought are nice because they are already cleaned and whitened but sadly most have thin cross-sections. Even the thicker ones rarely exceed 0.250” and if so, not in uniform sections.

I am thinking that my local butcher might have some thicker ones and I will go ask him. But I thought I'd ask you guys first in case there is a better source out there. The ones from the butcher will be considerably more prep work.

Thanks for your help.
 
When I first started I sourced cow bone from my butcher. Like antler it is best to get left and right bones to cut matching scales. I also tried horse bone from a knackery. Cut the scales over size, then boil to remove most of the fat. Boil again with some bleach in the water to get them white and shift the last of the fat.

Important to let them cool in the water or they can crack. It's a lot of work for not much more thickness. I now prefer to buy pre processed camel or giraffe and leave the mess for someone else. Hope this helps Patrice.
 
Patrice - I have a few sections of Moose bone that are considerably thicker, and in longer/wider sections, than cow bone. A few of my Native friends have an ample supply and are always willing to trade. I can't discern any noticeable difference between the moose and cow bone. And, Peter D. ^^^ is correct that a good matched set of scales would ideally come from a left and right legs.

-Peter
 
Peter no.1, I'll give the butcher a try first, thanks for the tips. Like you said, I am afraid that it wont be worth the amount of work. The thing is this is for smaller pieces for folders so I may have better luck than if I wanted full scales. Something in the 1.5" X 2" in a 3/8th thickness would be a good start.

Peter no.2, Moose bone sounds great but I live in the suburbs and don't see how I can get my hands on some. :(
 
Peter is right in that the moose bone can be a good bone to use.I made several straight knives with the moose bone the customer had recovered. As well I coloured some with Rit dye and used them on folders. Interesting thing here is today I'm using one of my last sets in a rusty brown colour on a folder for an upcoming local knife show.
Frank
 
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