Uses for old deer antler

[Ricky369]

Today i found a deer antle (so i think) up my graden, it has been there proably 8 years. Would it still be of much use?

If so how do you work with it?

thanks

 

[w00dsmoke]

Bleach it to clean it up with a solution of water and ordinary bleach. Just soak it in a tub with the solution for a week or so and it will clean up nicely. A toothbrush will help.

Without a picture of the antler it's hard to see what you could use it for as it may be very small and different species ahve different uses.

I make stick handles with mine as well as lots of other stuff, handles, butttons, whistles, fire steel holders, you name it really. Red Deer antler is very fibrous inside and reminiscent of honeycomb without the geometry. It's not strong inside, so it's best if you are using it as a handle to fill it with epoxy or expoxy putty. Antler files well, polishes up great, is cut easily using a fret saw, hacksaw, dremel, carved equally well with a dremel but it will depend on how thick your antler is. It stinks when filing or drilling oh and do wear a mask when doing so. Inhaling dust from it is not good.

So post a pic and we can explore from there.

 

[brancho]

As woodsmoke says heres a SAK with red deer scales

 

[Ricky369]

Do antlers not decay, as i said this one is liek 8 years old but it is still strong.

I will start a project with it, seeing what i can make from it

Thanks for your help

 

[Hoodoo]

You can make buttons and whistles with it. A tool to form leather. A socket for a fire drill. A handle for an awl. Lots of little mini projects.

 

[Goatboy]

Hey Ricky,
just think...
Buttons, toggles, handles, whistles, scales, spoons, needles, digging points, spacers, adornments oh the list goes on, it's a fantastic resource with a wonderful texture.
Unless it's been gnawed to bits or in really damp conditions it should be ok, for certain things.
Love the stuff.
Goatboy.

 

[Ricky369]

I has been outside for the past probably 8 years

 

[bushwacker bob]

I made an Axe mask today from a red deer tine.Cut it to length, saw cut down the middle, hole in each end and a bit of elastic through the holes and over the poll. Quick and easy.

 

[w00dsmoke]

That will clean up fine with a soak and a toothbrush. You got yourself a nice find there.

Yes they do break down eventually, but they really are quite tough. Think what they were designed for...

 

[Ricky369]

The inside of the antler isnt solid like Hoodoo's , but i will see how it goes

I soaked it in diluted bleech last night and started cleaning it today, will need a while to soak before it all comes off

thanks for the help. I will post up at some stage what i make from it

 

[RobertRogers]

FireSteel handles are popular too!