Which rivets for sheep horn handles?

[youngtrout]

Hello

Did a quick search for "horn". Did not see anything.

Anyway, I've made a few knives, all wood handles, used either corby rivets or cutlery rivets. I'm thinking I'll try some of the hymalan (sp) sheep horn scales from some of the major supply houses. I guess first off has anyone used this and did you like it's hardness and quality? Second what rivet to use. Typically I just fasten then sand flush. My thought was to work the horn as little as possible, mainly just buffing it out. Does not lend a hand to corbys

For sure showing my inexperience but would appreciate any advise for fastening

Thanks

 

[Frank Niro]

Are you refering to the uneven, rough surface on the outside of the horn? What to do? Take a 1/8" plate of steel about 5"X5" and about 1/2 inch from one end near the center make a hole - window - about 3/4" round or square. Now clamp the horn on one side of the handle together with the the plate on the opposite side with the window over the predrilled hole for the Corby. Place the assembly over an opened drill vice to the plate is supported on each side and drill the hole through the window , through the handle hole and drill out the hole for the Corby. Place a pin in this hole through the handle hole, line up the other end of the handle with the Corby still in place to help maintain alignment and drill it through. Frank

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Are you refering to the uneven, rough surface on the outside of the horn? What to do? Take a 1/8" plate of steel about 5"X5" and about 1/2 inch from one end near the center make a hole - window - about 3/4" round or square. Now clamp the horn on one side of the handle together with the the plate on the opposite side with the window over the predrilled hole for the Corby. Place the assembly over an opened drill vice to the plate is supported on each side and drill the hole through the window , through the handle hole and drill out the hole for the Corby. Place a pin in this hole through the handle hole, line up the other end of the handle with the Corby still in place to help maintain alignment and drill it through. Frank

Then, after assembly, cut off the excess bolt material, and shape the Corby with files and a Dremel tool to match the curves and ripples of the horn. The same can be done for stag.