Wood or Horn

Svashtar

Svashtar

Joined
Dec 28, 2003
Messages
4,793
I was looking at Pen's list for the baby dui chirras he's putting together with Uncle Bill, and wondered if those of you who picked wood over horn or vice versa would share your thoughts on why you picked what. For instance, pen picked both in wood, while I picked the 10" in horn and the 14" in wood. My logic is that the 10" might actually be a handy under the coat khuk to carry about, and that the horn would be a little less of a drag against clothing than the wood. For the larger knife, I figure wood gives a firmer grip, but the 14" in horn without the butt cap is especially pretty.

At the same time, contrary to that, having a matched pair would be cool. Either / Or. Anyway, my logic may all be BS, but I would be interested in why you chose as you did, or if there was no reason at all and you always just go with one or the other.

Regards,

Svashtar
 
I have always liked wood anything, furniture, tool handles, picture frames, carved wooden art, eating utensils and bowls, storage boxes, you name it. Wood has so many varieties and colors, it's an endless source of beauty and gives me a lot of pleasure. Horn is a new medium for me and I'm not sure how much I like it yet.
 
Here in the nevada desert, the wood seems more stable. It also lends itself better to easier modification, sanding and refinishing versus horn, which seems to need buffing.

Just my guess, but Shop one seemed to have very stable handles. Shop 2, they sent Gelbu, and he got sold green horn the first time out. He's learned since then, but I think he's still got more to learn.
 
Most of the horn handle blems that I recall have been material problems: shrinkage or grainlines (which may or may not ever develop into real problems). The wood handle blems have been damage, usually shipping. I trust wood more. Fortunately, I also prefer the way it looks.
 
I got mostly horn now and perhaps in the future if they failed or if I'm bored, I may try to put a new G10 handle on my Kruk. May be my next project! Reinforce the tang by welding 2 slabs of steel, G10 in and textured. Super blued and Kydex sheath next!
Anyone interested!
 
I generally prefer horn. But i've loved wood all my life and still do.



munk
 
Wood.

easy to make it whatever you want in shape or finish;
superglue to oil

Seen too much cracked horn of late.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. So far I have both horn and wood in equal amounts. I love the feel of the polished horn, but I could see why wood is tougher. I lucked out that the only AK I have for now has a large wood handle with some really nice burl to it. If I ever get ahold of a digital camera I'll try and post some pics.

Regards,

Svashtar
 
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