What is the best way to split an antler for a full tang handle?

[jason29681]

Yea, so one of the first knives I want to make will have a stag handle. My biggest fear right now is messing the antler up by trying to cut it in half.

Also, I often wonder what you do if the handle is too thick, can you sand it down or will that ruin the outter appearance of the horn??

 

[fast14riot]

Bandsaw with wood blade works well. You can sand the back side to remove thickness. This may be better asked in the shop talk forum.


-Xander

 

[David Wesner]

One method is to "set" the antler in a product called Jett Sett

http://www.usaknifemaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=179&products_id=4025

Fixture your antler exactly how you would like to make the saw cut, making sure you do your fixturing on a nice flat surface. After the Jett Sett is set ( I know, redundant-redundant-redundant )
cut through the antler & Jett Sett using your Band Saw. After making the sawcut wash the Jett Sett off and save it for the next application.

As fast14 said, usually most or all excess stock comes off the backside of the stag/antler via a belt sander or mill.

Another method would be to freehand it using a hand saw or bandsaw


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