Help - Merino Horn

[Track]

I have a set of Merino sheep horn scales. They are not quite flat. Any help with how to flatten them or do I have to grind them flat. Your advise is appreciated. Thanks much.

[Lamey]

ive never used any,,  but know that Lin and Karl have used similar horn, hopefully they will comment as I would love to know too.

[Track]

Thanks Lamey.

[akaboomer]

You do have to flatten by grinding. Trying to get as close to thickness by grinding the inside face of each scale. That way you keep as much "bark" on the outside as possible. Hope that explanation helps.

Chris

[Kevin Evans]

Yes you can grind them flat,
dip in water as you are grinding!!

If you touch the scales as you are grinding and they are hot you waited to long to dip in the water.
Start with course grit ,and go through required grits.
I usually do the finishing grinds on granite plate.
It is very easy to remove to much go SLOW!

[Track]

Thanks for your help guys. I was hoping there was a way of soaking them and clamping them flat, but I guess I'll have to gring. I'll go slow and keep them cool.

[tippit]

Pending if they are somewhat flat cut, you can heat them and press them in a vise to help straighten/flatten them without grinding too much off first.

[Track]

Hey Jeff,
They are pretty straight, just a slight bow to them. Maybe I'll try heating them first. Thanks.

[tippit]

You can heat them with a heat gun just be carefull not to burn them...kinda like bending a selfbow.  Put them between two pieces of wood and add pressure with vise.  Then let cool but you may need to do a couple of times.

[Lamey]

good post,  learned a few things.

[Track]

I'll try it. Thanks for the walk through Jeff.

[gables]

Jerry Fisk recommends an overnight soaking of the horn handle in mineral oil. After the knife is done put knife handle down in a jar of mineral oil. Heating destroys natural oils. Soaking helps replenish and helps prevent cracking per Jerry.

[Track]

Thanks Gables. I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry a few years back when I took the ABS forging class in Arkansas. Took a few of us to his shop and watched him forge a blade. Great guy, great knifesmith.

[Lamey]

I do that Fisk trick with Stag too, works great.