Need directions on antler handles

[MyFlatline]

Hey Guys, I'm new to this and trying to learn what I can. Have a friend up north that is going to be sending some elk antler to make scales out of. I have been perusing the web but would like to hear your ideas. Will be a split style shank to began with.

Another question is...can the inside of an antler be made into a attractive scale? Say the antler is quite large and you cut the outer edges off. Or am I way off base...

[Bazoo]

I've never worked with elk. I've worked with whitetail antlers though. They are harder/denser towards the edges, and softer/porous towards the center. From the pictures i've seen of elk, it is similar but worse. So you can use the inner of it, say, if you want to be just below the bark. But you cannot take a 1.5" thick slab and cut numerous 1/4" thick scales from it and get 5 decent scales (less the kerf slots).

[MyFlatline]

Thanks, that answers a lot of questions.

I'll take all the help I can get

[OldBearHair]

Hey MyFlatline, A major concern when grinding on bone / antlers is to always wear a quality dust mask. Be sure the mask does not leak around the edges. Bone dust is bad stuff. Don't breathe it.

[OldBearHair]

MyFlatline, here are some pictures of knives with deer horn and what it looks like when all the "bark" is taken off. Should the pith be exposed, it should be stabilized with epoxy/ or resin. The pictures of the blades are not good. The cut lines are glared.
One knife has brass pommel, one has nothing, and one shows scales shape. These knives could be named "Cut and Shoot Texas Pig Stickers", but they are not named as yet. The blades are hand forged of 5160 spring steel. They will rust if not cared for. Will bend and not break and spring back. Barrick made in USA out in my shop.

[MyFlatline]

MyFlatline, here are some pictures of knives with deer horn and what it looks like when all the "bark" is taken off. Should the pith be exposed, it should be stabilized with epoxy/ or resin. The pictures of the blades are not good. The cut lines are glared.
One knife has brass pommel, one has nothing, and one shows scales shape. These knives could be named "Cut and Shoot Texas Pig Stickers", but they are not named as yet. The blades are hand forged of 5160 spring steel. They will rust if not cared for. Will bend and not break and spring back. Barrick made in USA out in my shop.

Thanks...Yes the dust is,,,well let say nasty.. Here is my first try. While not perfect, they didn't come out all that bad either.. A skinner and a paring knife for the wife.

[MyFlatline]

Very nice work,,I forgot to say. I'm not wanting to get into forging blanks anytime soon...Way to much else going on..