Antler scales: what finish?

[tomsm44]

I'm working on an antler scaled drop point hunter that I hope to finish up in a couple of weeks.  This will be my first time using antler and I was curious what would be the best way to finish it.  Should I just sand/polish it and leave it natural, or put some type of clear finish on it?  I usually use either tung oil or tru-oil on wood handles.  Will an oil finish work well with antler?  I would normally do a little trial and error when using a new material to see what finish I like best, but since I'm making this knife for someone else, I would prefer to get it "right" the first time.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  

I haven't posted any of my knives on hear yet, so I'll try to get some good pictures of this one to put up.

[Ray Hammond]

Antler tends to dry and crack over time. I would do as someone suggested on another thread and soak it overnight in mineral oil

I wouldn't put anything but a renaissance wax finish on it personally - after soaking

[D.Ellis]

Don't overheat the antler when working it......and make sure it is good and dry before you use it. I wipe mine down with mineral oil once in a while........antler is tough and durable so it really doesn't need much more in my opinion. Some folks prefer wax rather than oil for what it is worth.
Darcy  

[tomsm44]

Thanks guys.  I'll give the mineral oil a try.  The antlers that I have are 10+ years old and have been stored indoors (climate controlled), so they will be plenty dry.  I am assuming that is what you mean by dry and you are not talking about allowing the mineral oil to dry after soaking as Ray mentioned.  Either way, your point is well taken.

[Ray Hammond]

do the soaking AFTER you create the knife... I shoudl have specified that and it may have been apparent...just thought I'd be more specific.