Horn/Bone Scales(Straight Razor WIP)

[Kevinnator11]

I've recently been asked to do a straight razor and I was thinking of using some pieces of horn for the scales.  

If I recall correctly there are some issues with using horn/bone. Are there any tips you guys could give on them?  I have a large steer horn that I should be able to get multiple scales from for future projects.  I may need to experiment some to flatten or take minor curves out.  Steaming maybe?

I'm thinking of following the Lewis Razor Youtube video but using horn and copper as a wedge.  Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  I'm mainly concerned with movement (shrinking/expanding) and how to straighten.

[Lin Rhea]

Properly cleaned and seasoned bone is a good handle.

I rarely use horn unless it is sheep horn. I cant address the techniques of flattening them.

Every handle material has it's own peculiarities. You will have to build the knife taking into account any peculiar things associated with a given material. IF I was going to use horn, I would likely pin it to a full tang handle using domed heads and over sizing the holes a bit for the horn to be able to move.

[Kevinnator11]

To clarify a little the front of the straight razor would be sandwiched between the horn or bone with a pivot pin of some type.  The back would have a wedge with pins through both.  I like your suggestion of an oversize hole with peened pins.  I'm thinking if I can get a straight piece of horn that may work.  It's basically a folder.  Not sure what to call the different parts.


I really like the look of copper so probably use that for the pins and wedge.  Customer wants a clip also.  That idea I will have to disabuse him off.  Razor in the pocket....  

[gudspelr]

I've been too intimidated to make a straight for myself-all the honing and having that edge soooo thin and consistent... I have done a fair bit of research and YouTube video watching, though. Lewis makes some really cool razors and his videos are fun to watch.

You may be onto something with the straight horn. I've never tried straightening any before, but I did hear of a bad experience with straightening from Ed Caffrey. If I remember correctly, he steam straightened some bighorn sheep horn and put that on a knife. It ended up getting sent back after they pulled away slightly, apparently wanting to return to that curled shape.

Lin does awesome work with horn as well as others, and I really like the look of it. I don't know if you could maybe find some thin material to use as "liners"? If you could find a suitable color of really thin G10, you could epoxy the scales to the liners and dome some pins that would maybe help keep some stability in any twisting or curling of the horn?

I really look forward to seeing what you come up with. You doing a wedge or hollow? Good luck and hope all goes well-cool project   .

Jeremy

[Kevinnator11]

I'm gonna try to go with the wedge.  I may take your idea and use maybe some thin copper plate as a liner.  Didn't think of that.  That should hold the horn well.  I have a big "texas steer" horn.  I think I can get a pretty flat piece and just grind what curve there would be straight.  The idea of a bone handled straight razor seems cool to me.

it is a bit intimidating but the guy that wants it won't be shaving with it.  He wanted a clip so he could keep it in his pocket.  Tattoo artists      

I'll post pics as I go.  Probably start it this weekend.

[Kevinnator11]

Ok, so I've come up with a template that I think will work and here's a couple of pics of that.  

 
 
 

I'll be using this S30 and for the record I have cheap tools.  I do almost all my knives with a dremmel, grinder and a 4x36 cheapo belt sander.  One day I'll have the good stuff.

[gudspelr]

Very cool-I like the profile. Should be really nice.

Jeremy

[ejhorstick]

can't wait to see how that turns out

[Kevinnator11]

 

Here's how the blade is turning out .I really need a better belt sander .  It was a bear to keep this flat .

[Kevinnator11]

I did get the horn split now just have to transfer the template and grind it.  I've heard it smells bad but I wasn't prepared.  That was the worst smell ever and I've been near the Iraq burn pits.

[hvyhitter]

Ive been shaving with straight razors only for over a year now and the sharp pointy corners would make me a bit leery of actually shaving with that one............ Its a good thing the guy that ordered it is just going to carry it............ Looks pretty cool as it is......

[Fallguy]

Aw there is nothing to shaving with a straight razor. I have shaved with a Leatherman once.     You just have to remember one thing "scrape, never draw the blade".

[Kevinnator11]

Thanks for that tip Hvyhitter.  I'll round those over.  Even though he may not shave with it all the time I would imagine that he will try it.  I don't use a straight razor so this is off the cuff so to speak.

That must've been one sharp leatherman.  I'll get back on this just got sidetracked working on a new tri-lam.

[Kevinnator11]

Thanks for that tip Hvyhitter.  I'll round those over.  Even though he may not shave with it all the time I would imagine that he will try it.  I don't use a straight razor so this is off the cuff so to speak.

That must've been one sharp leatherman.  I'll get back on this just got sidetracked working on a new tri-lam.

[Kevinnator11]

Made some progress .


     

[Kevinnator11]

Finished it and made a leather sheath for it.  Customer wanted to carry it!  Couldn't talk him out of it so hopefully he doesn't cut something he needs off.

 
 

The shiny parts are just oil from the sheath.