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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Leftieshot on May 21, 2008, 10:44:00 PM

Title: antler handle??
Post by: Leftieshot on May 21, 2008, 10:44:00 PM

I may have a good source (friend at work) for antler but its of a different sort.  Has anyone used reindeer antler for a handle?  Any tips on using it?  I don't have any yet but will try if I get some.  How do you impregnate the antler with epoxy?  I have a feeling this stuff in gonna be pourous.

Title: Re: antler handle??
Post by: JEFF B on May 21, 2008, 10:48:00 PM

super glue is the way to go for antlers. good luck with that  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: antler handle??
Post by: elk ninja on May 22, 2008, 12:17:00 AM

Super glue.
Lots and lots of Scandinavian knives have reindeer.  Good, traditional stuff.  There's a Helle with some Rudolph antler as well.
Mike

Title: Re: antler handle??
Post by: OconeeDan on May 22, 2008, 07:46:00 AM

Isn't reindeer the same as caribou?
I have been wiping on epoxy after it is completly shaped, then lightly sanding and buffing. Still porous but comes out looking nice.
Dan

Title: Re: antler handle??
Post by: Leftieshot on May 22, 2008, 09:47:00 AM

From what I've been told they are very different animals.
Does the epoxy need to be cut with acetone so it will run into the pourous section in the middle of the antler?  Whats the ratio?

Title: Re: antler handle??
Post by: BobT on May 22, 2008, 02:15:00 PM

You can use the thin super glue to soak into the porous sections of the antler. As Elk Ninja stated it has been in use for a long time in Scandinavia for knife handles.

Bob

  (http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m100/rltjlt/000_0293.jpg)

Title: Re: antler handle??
Post by: OconeeDan on May 22, 2008, 11:15:00 PM

I never had good results from cutting it.  Rub in with your finger (in a rubber glove).
For thin stuff, I have been using CPES, Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer, from the Rot Doctor.  
I am still deciding if this is worth the money or not.  Lin Rhea and others are using some stuff I think from Minwax that is a lot cheaper, maybe it works as good or better.  
Dan