Reindeer-antler for the bow-drill block!

[eraaij]

I recently finished a knife with parts of Reindeer antler in the handle, I was surprised about the toughness and density of this material. So I got an idea.

I did a little experimentation and found out that a small piece of reindeer antler is a perfect block for the bow drill set. I got no smoke in the block and there was very little wear. The resistance was also less than with wooden blocks. I could not escape the impression that our ancesters must have gotten the same idea.

This will end my search for the perfect bow drill block for a while If you manage to find a piece that fills the palm nicely you could dill a hole in it wear it around the neck. Recommended.


-Emile

 

[Hoodoo]

No argument from me eraaij! Couldn't agree more.

 

[eraaij]

Those look great, Hoodoo. More comfortable in the hand than my version, too

-Emile

 

[Hoodoo]

Well, I agree with you totally that they sure work great. I string mine with my favorite bowdrill cordage, a hunting bootlace. They are tough as can be and don't fray very easily. I know they aren't "natural" but I still like 'em. There are cheaper ones out there that look the same but don't hold up nearly as well. I usually get mine from a Redwing Shoe store.

 

[Hawthorn]

Great idea eraaij and Hoodoo, I'll be trying that for sure

 

[Longstrider]

I put myself off the idea of trying this some while ago as I thought it would stink to the heavens once the drill started to heat it up. Is reindeer antler harder/denser than antlers from British native or resident deer ? Only asking because I like the look of Hoodoos blocks but have no ready access to reindeer antler. I can get hold of fallow and roe pretty easily if I want some though.

 

[eraaij]

From what I have seen, Reindeer seems to be quite dense in comparison to Red Deer. I have some Moose parts here on the workbench that are comparable in desity to the Reindeer.

Since my pile of antlers is slowly growing, I still need to de some further experimentation with this material. Thanks for bringing it up again.

-Emile

 

[Infragreen]

Now, where's that pesky reindeer off to?

Just a suggestion... The pointy end of a coconut shell?

Happy spinning!

Infy

 

[david1]

No argument from me eraaij! Couldn't agree more.

I like the look of the hand drills. is there a drawing of size and shape that is a good point to start from. Im am working blind sort of thing. anyone live near brighton want to give a demonstration ?

David

 

[Marts]

I like the look of the hand drills. is there a drawing of size and shape that is a good point to start from. Im am working blind sort of thing. anyone live near brighton want to give a demonstration ?

David

Hi David1. There is so much info on this forum about hand drills, bow drills and so on. I would suggest that if you simply type "hand drill" into the search function you should find all the info you need and then some

Welcome to BCUK btw.

 

[Marts]

Just to get you started David1 here's a tutorial from PatrickM (Bushcraft school instructor and BCUK member)

Hand Drill tutorial

I believe Rich59 makes kits too. PM him if you want to practice with a set that's guaranteed to work

 

[MattV]

Hoodoo, those look incredible. Where can one find the material?