Antler problem

[RHaskins]

Was trying my hand at first deer antler knife, soaked antler in Minwax Wood Hardner for two weeks, took them out and very discouraged to see that the antler has turned a milky/gray color. Did I do something wrong or can this be buffed out?

-Randy

[RICK LOWE]

Randy,
Is the antler older and soft? If it is, that might have something to do with your problem. Don't know if sanding will help, but you might try in a small area. With pretty fresh antler, I don't try to stabilize. It will hold up real well without. If you sand down to the "pithy" part, using super glue to seal is a good idea. You can use super glue on the entire peice if you want. Lots of discussion on this if you look in the search, but holler with more questions.
Rick

[DiamondG Knives]

Randy
While Ive used minwax hardener on antler, mine was just to dip the finished handle in it and let dry, more of a final coat than anything. If it were me, I think Id let it dry for a week or two, then sand lightly to see what you have. You may have a "skin" of some kind, but nice material under it. I know Ive taken old chalky looking antler and turned it into somthing that looks as good a mastadon ivory ! Dont throw in the towel just yet! And please let us know how it turns out!!

God Bless
Mike

[TJ Smith]

Here is one I did that was pretty old Elk antler. I wanted to harden it without changing the outside color as I wanted the grey weather beaten look.
I taped one end of the handle piece and poured minwax in the other end to fill it up.It ran right out the side it was so porus. You can add a little color with brown shoe dye from a shoe store or Tandy.
Or use the potassium permanganate.Use a small brush and just do the low spots.

My thoughts
TJ

[RHaskins]

Thanks guys for the comments. I did take some 0000 steel wool and rubbed them down some, gray came off and left me with a darker color than I was hoping for but I think they will be alright. Short period of panic there for awhile.

-Randy