Deer antler

[Josey Wales]

You could always make knife handles out of it. You can boil antler to soften the pith and press a blade in for an easy knife handle.

http://www.primitiveways.com/pt-antlerhandleknife.html :

I have a bit more info than that somewhere, if you wish.

Must be said though... Reindeer antler is the best for this purpose as the bone marrow is more compact

 

[Neil1]

I have worked with most antler in the UK, and if you use a little common sense when thinking out your project out you should have few problems.
Our ancestors worked within their limitations, ie they used what was available. A lot of the antler I have used is what I've picked up in the woods, mostly it gets used for toggles, but occaisionally you get a piece suitable for a knife handle or similar large project.
Antler is great stuf to work, don't get hung up on someone elses reccomendations, try it for yourself.
Neil

 

[Ronin]

Has anyone got any antlers spare? Stuck in the tip of Cornwall, the closest I get to a deer antler is a sharp hedgehog!

Would be happy to pay postage (or reasonable finders fee?)

Have whittled most of the local shrubbery to death, now turning my attention to he local wildlife! LOL

 

[Dorian Gra]

Antlers are great for making stuff. I'm friendly with the local gamekeepers and because of this i have a continueous supply of them.

You can make knife handles, priests and walking sticks (amoung other things)

Best way of getting a good supply or even a couple is to get to know your local gamekeeper or someone who knows one, because they are a great source of materials which have many uses but are useless to them .

 

[arctic hobo]

Has anyone got any antlers spare? Stuck in the tip of Cornwall, the closest I get to a deer antler is a sharp hedgehog!

Would be happy to pay postage (or reasonable finders fee?)

Have whittled most of the local shrubbery to death, now turning my attention to he local wildlife! LOL

What do you need it for? I have a few rings left, the last of my reindeer antler if that's any use to you. They're about 10mm thick, but vary quite a lot.

 

[Ronin]

Hey artic, thanks for the offer.

I am thinking about firesteel handle, whistle, bd socket, toggles etc. I wanted to try and expand the carving skillset a little on a new material. Somehow recyling deer antler...it just feels right if that makes any sense.

 

[arctic hobo]

Hey artic, thanks for the offer.

I am thinking about firesteel handle, whistle, bd socket, toggles etc. I wanted to try and expand the carving skillset a little on a new material. Somehow recyling deer antler...it just feels right if that makes any sense.

Carving, eh? Good luck... it's tough stuff!

 

[davek]

Must be said though... Reindeer antler is the best for this purpose as the bone marrow is more compact

And elk is the worst as the pith is loose and porous. Makes the prettiest handles though, just not with this method. I have made bunches of these and given them away or traded for more antler.

 

[Hedgehog]

Here is a good source of antler from Mull...

http://www.stickmaker.com/

Drop John a line, I ordered a batch for knife handles & he even cut them to size for my specific needs. I got some nice Roe antlers from him too, all at a very good price compared to other places I have found in the UK.

Here are the Stag Rolls I got...

Good to be aboard BTW