Working w/ Antler? (Helle project...)

[Montana Slim]

Hey guys
Just got a Helle knife kit in the mail and was curious about incorporating antler into the handle on it... (never tried making a knife before) Is there anything special you have to do to treat antler before working it like wood ---> something to reinforce it, stain it, etc...?
Also, for the leather, should I stain it and then make the sheath, or put everything together  first and then stain?

thanks
ray

[Jack Guard]

Work the antler like wood.  Although some is more brittle than others.  

As for the leather...build the sheath, then stain, stitch, then edge finish.  you could stain it after stitching but the stitching will change color.  

Good Luck, i look forward to seeing what you do.

[Aggie1993]

Seal the antler with something - I use the Thin Super Glue when I am done and sand/apply/sand.  The antler is pourous and will absorb water unless sealed.

[elk ninja]

From my experience.... what they said.  Antler is worked a lot like wood, drill, sand, etc.  Seal it up good, I have used superglue, but I imagine any other sealer would work too.  
Cut out the sheath, stain, then stitch, trim, wet form, let dry, touch up the stain then seal it as well.  
Bet it won't be your last Helle, they are a blast!
Mike

[SCATTERSHOT]

Those Helle blades are razor sharp! Be sure to wrap the blade with some tape before you start work.

[Montana Slim]

Thanks for the help guys...
Scattershot- you should have piped in a little earlier  haha, now the roughed out handle has some reddish brown 'character' on it.  In the interest of time (this knife is for a gift) I think I won't mess with antler until my next try
thanks again

ray

[wingnut]

Here's a link to a build along Tony McCall did with a Harding Blade a little while ago.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=047290

Mike

[Voodoofire1]

I work with antler every day,I use a thick industrial CA(superglue) to seal each and every piece, tried the thin, takes way too long, and it's a lot more work than the thick which I apply 1 coat.. sand... another coat.. sand  and apply finish... works like a charm.... works on wood too...Steve