Working with Antler

[Muddypaws]

I was recently lucky enough to acquire a small Roe deer antler, found by one of my dog walking friends in a local park. It isn't big enough to make a whole knife handle, so I intend to cut it up to make bolsters and spacers for various handling projects. However, I have never worked with antler before, so I am seeking advice on how to work it and how to finish it, and any other things that I should bear in mind before I start.

I look forward to reading your responses.

 

[Clouston98]

Antler has a hard outer layer and a softer marrow like inner, which is a dark brown/black In Colour, it is easy to saw up with a hack saw, and I made plent do nice things with it from catapults, pace beads and buttons. It's easy enough to make the holes with an awl and a hammer, so great for knife bolsters. You can carve the outer with a sharp knife, so you can bevel the edges etc. You can sand it easily on the rough ends where it has been cut, and the antler already has a lovely smooth outer. It's a great material to work with, I love it! Good luck with your projects mate, hope this helps!

 

[Perrari]

Works really well with files & sandpaper, it is relatively easy to get a good finish working your way through the grits. If you have a belt grinder then wear a mask as the dust isn't good for you, and it does stink a bit as well. Good luck !

 

[Muddypaws]

Thanks for the tips! I do seem to vaguely remember reading something about the dust being bad for you, so a dust mask it is, even though I shall be going easy with hand tools.

Needless to say that I will post some pictures as and when I complete the projects that are in the works.
Thanks again!

 

[dwardo]

Best to do any cutting and sanding of antler outdoors. The dust gets everywhere, is orrible and stinks. Same as buffalo horn.
I take my belt sander outside and clamp it to a garden table. Its even more orrbile when sanding buffalo horn and yew at the same time!

 

[tedw]

Agree with the comments about dust and stink, but more importantly I found antler easy to work but easy to damage too. So have a care with the vice and try not to chip or scratch that essential bit!

 

[brancho]

Virtually all wood and horn dust is bad for you so always wear a respirator when sanding filing or creating any dust that you breath in indoors or outdoors.

I would suggest avoid oiling antler though. treat it very much like wood when shaping and finishing.