Tangs

R

RakoPatcher

Joined
Jun 17, 2011
Messages
4
Hey all,

I have an antler, and want to use it as a knife handle. So I was wondering, what are some good tangs (I believe that is what its called, the blade with some metal sticking out to go into the handle), and where can I buy them? I google it, but couldnt really find anything. Also, Ive been told to soak the antler in rain/river water for a month or so, then push the tang into it and let it dry. Is that the correct way to go about making an antler-handle knife?
 
I think you are asking about where to buy blade blanks, the "tang" is just a part of a complete knife. Every knife has some sort of tang to attach to a handle.

We aren't supposed to push retailers that don't pay to advertise here, but why don't you Google "knifemaker supply". The first two online sellers that show up are good to use.

In addition to blade, you will also need epoxy to fix the tang into the horn. You may even need some leather to make a sheath.
 
RakoPatcher said:
Also, Ive been told to soak the antler in rain/river water for a month or so, then push the tang into it and let it dry. Is that the correct way to go about making an antler-handle knife?
Click to expand...

Only if you want a sloppy handle that cracks and smells awful.
The proper way is to let the antler properly cure first and stabilise, then drill a hole the size of the tang and glue it in with epoxy.
Antler can be difficult to work with at times, it is best to practice on some scrap first.
 
What sort of knife do you want to have with it? Google Ragweed forge, he sells blanks for several Scandinavian brands, most of which have what are called rat tail tangs. Basically a thin stick of a tang, would be easy to do an antler handle with one. Some of the Mora brand blanks are very inexpensive but are great knives, depending on what you are looking for atleast.
 
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