Recommendations on how to do handle?

[JDP12]

Hello all- at Compton's this year I picked up a knife blank and would like to finish it off, but was looking for some recommendations.  The blade is ~3.5" and the tang is ~2.25"  I would really like to do an antler handle, and was wondering this:

1) what type of glue?
2) I know the general principle- slot out the handle material and glue it in, but is there anything different i should do with antler?
3) As this is going to be just a general purpose hunting knife (cleaning of game) I'd assume just a straight handle would be good?  I'll have to find the straightest piece of antler I have.
4) How would you recommend finishing off the butt of the antler handle?

here is a picture of the blank-

   

[Steve Nuckels]

I have very limited experience with antler, but I like the "Crown" and they look nice dyed!

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IN GOD WE TRUST

[skullworks]

1) what type of glue? - Devcon 2-ton epoxy.

2) I know the general principle- slot out the handle material and glue it in, but is there anything different i should do with antler? -Make sure the tang is notched to allow the epoxy something to grip & wear a respirator especially when working with antler or bone when drilling or grinding!

3) As this is going to be just a general purpose hunting knife (cleaning of game) I'd assume just a straight handle would be good?  I'll have to find the straightest piece of antler I have.-That would probably be best but some curve can help the feel of the knife...personal prefernce.

4) How would you recommend finishing off the butt of the antler handle? Use a dremel and engrave a deer track, bear track or arrow head. Then put a little brown ink or thin paint in there to give it some contrast!

Let us know how it turns out!   :D

[chris arrington]

Brass or antler finger guard, stacked leather washers finished off with and antler crown butt. Pretty simple and durable.

[JDP12]

Ok thanks- and a quick question about the crown- how would you recommend removing it from the skull?  Just carefully cut/sand it out?

[skullworks]

Originally posted by JDP12:
Ok thanks- and a quick question about the crown- how would you recommend removing it from the skull?  Just carefully cut/sand it out?

Yep...round the edges to look better. IMO.