Stabilizing Bear Canines.

G

Gene

Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
1,781
First, let me explain that I'm not a knifemaker. I'm an amatuer that likes to experiment now and then. I was just wondering if any of you knifemakers could help with some advice.

A good friend gave me the skull of a large black bear that he had shot on a legal hunt. The skull was heavily damaged so I removed the teeth.

The canine teeth are very impressive and large. I've seen jaw bones and all sorts of skeletal parts used as handles and I'd like to use a couple of these as small fixed blade handles.

So far the canines are in excellent shape with no cracking and are beautiful. I did drill out the vein holes just a tiny bit to help in drying out the interior.

However, everything I can find on the internet states that they will crack eventually because of humidity changes and it's just a matter of time. I even read reports where the teeth in skulls, especially the canines, actually "popping" apart.

I have several skulls and haven't noticed any such problems.

So my question is, can these bear canines be stabilized in any way where I could use them for handles? If they can be stabilized, does anyone know who could do it for me?
 
I would like info on this subject too , the canine teeth on my polar bear skull have cracked , i assume from drying out --------- thx for any help
 
You can stabilize bone with wood stabilizer from HD. In another post they warmed the stabilizer in a jar and heated the bone and then sealed it. This created a vacuum which pulls the air and moisture out and lets the stabilizer get in.

Texas Knife Supply does stabilization you may check with them.
 
Sending them to Mike at WSSI will assure the job is done right.
You can stabilize them yourself in thin CA if you can set up a vacuum chamber. I'd send them to Mike.
BTW,I would not use wood stabilizer.
Stacy
 
Stacy,
Pardon my ignorance but who is Mike from WSSI and how can I contact him?
 
Mike knows his stuff, I'll put in a third vote for WSSI. I do my own stabilization now, but only because of volume.


MT
 
Check your state and local laws before using bear teeth. In many states, commercializing in bear parts of any kind will land you in jail. Especially if you are selling sport hunting parts.

Gene
 
Thanks for the info Stacy and howiesatwork. I've sent them an e-mail and am awaiting their reply.

Gene Martin and oldwolf,
Thanks much for the cautions, (I expected them when I posted this), but I know about bear regulations especially here in California. I have legally and successfully hunted bear in the past. These are for my own personal use which is legal and wouldn't think of commericializing bear parts ever.
 
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