newbie....elk

[KyLongbeard]

I will be getting some elk horn to be used as a handle on a full tang bowie. I have no idea how to prepare it as I've never worked with it. Any help would be appericiated.


BTW, great and informative board! Tried a search but couldn't get exactly what I was hoping for. This will be my second knife. Still working on my first but I was needing some info so I could prepare.

Thanks!!

[Robert Mayo]

The only thing that comes to mind is make sure it's good and dry, not a fresh piece or it will shrink. The same goes for all antler.

Bob

[RICK LOWE]

I use a lot of elk, both solid for hidden tang and slabs. If it's seasoned, there really isn't much you need to do other than put it on. If the color has bleached out you can use leather dye to bring up what you want. I clean with soap and water, then use acetone to degrease. Apply the dye liberally and let it dry. Usually I wait 1-2 days before handling. Experiment on scrap using dark brown, medium brown, tan and even black to get what you feel is right. You will get some residue, even after it's dried, so rub it well. After getting the handle together, sanded and buffed, I use a good quality paste wax and put 4-5 coats on. This has worked well for me, but there are other routines that guys use with success.
Rick

[KyLongbeard]

Thanks for the info!

[NJStricker]

If it's anything like whitetail antler, and you're cutting it yourself, wear a respirator (which you should do for cutting many materials). It'll stink pretty good if you cut at a high speed. . .