Putting an antler on a knife

[James MacMillan]

Since a lot of us like making our own sgian dubh, and the antler handle is one of the favorites - Looky what I found.

This guy describes putting an antler handle on a blade without using any epoxy, glue or anything.

I'm going to try this!

[norfair86]

Very interesting... I must try this next time I use antler.
Thanks for the link!

[Donnie]

That is very interesting~ I think I;m gonna try it next time.

[Navyguy]

There is also a link on the bottom for a sheath. I used to have a sheath somewhat like that wich I made. hmmmm I winder if a no sew sporran could be made in the same way??? Time to try some paterns.

[JS Sanders]

Jay,
The author understates the smell. I've seen (smelled?) this done by rendezvous'rs. I believe even the majority of them prefer epoxy.

It does work though.

Slainte,
steve

[Yaish]

A little borax in the water might kill the bacteria and stop the smell without adversely affecting the rest of the procedure. It's what they use in the curing or softening process for hides.

[JS Sanders]

<< A little borax in the water... >>

According to the 'expert' I met, if it wasn't smelly, it wasn't working. Perhaps microbes are a necessary part - as in fermentation.

I'm a neo-traditionalist and prefer 5 ton epoxy.

Slainte,
steve

[norfair86]

A little borax in the water might kill the bacteria and stop the smell without adversely affecting the rest of the procedure. It's what they use in the curing or softening process for hides.

I love borax.

[turpin]

I've gotten a drill bit stuck in an antler piece and it just won't come out. Once you start the bit going you can't stop for anything or it seizes up. I'd guess the same for the water method, especially boiling.

[Standard]

Thanks, bookmarked the link for future reference. I'm wanting to try a hand a making an antler handled sgain, and this looks like about the easiest method I've seen.