bone handles DIY, how do you do it?

[elk ninja]

With elk season nearly upon us, and the anticipation of an elk down I am wondering how to use the bone for knife handles.  

Ideas?  I can't seem to find any tutorials in my  usual quiver of knife sites...

[Lin Rhea]

Here is what I do.

Take the bones you want to use ( I use the shinbones )and if you plan on cutting them into halves, go ahead and do that. Rake out the marrow and soak the bones in a solution of water and laundry borax. Every couple days turn them around in the mix just to expose them to the borax better. After a couple weeks, give them a good scrubbing and let them air dry. Put them in a dry place for a few months and soak them in linseed oil and let that dry. All this takes time, but the results are good.

[2treks]

Does the Borax just get all the grease and bone stuff out of the bone Lin? Do you let them dry for a few months after the water/borax soak and THEN soak in linseed oil? Does the epoxy hold well after the oil soak?
I have a blade to fool with and this gives me a good idea as I have lots of bones to use.
Thanks
Chuck

[Lin Rhea]

I always let them dry good after each step. When I do any gluing, I acetone the surfaces to be glued.

What I like about natural bone is the color.

[amar911]

Lin,

Do you have a picture of a knife that shows the final appearance of some of the bone that has been treated in the way you describe?

Allan

[Lin Rhea]

Allan, Here is one from a few years ago. I have a set of scales on my desk that are ready now for a hunter sized knife. They are this color. I had it put up on a shelf in my shop while in "tube form". It must have fallen off. Our young Lab was chewing on it and I took it away from her.

 

[elk ninja]

Thanks a bunch!  The timeline is just fine.  Now for the elk to cooperate!