Pour one for me

[Joe Gondek]

I'm not a metallurgist
you use a mixture of 2/3 of 50/50 to 1/3 tin
I dont weight it out or measure I just eyeball it
it also works with straight 50/50 but the bolster will become a little dull over time
I add the tin to increase the brightness and make it harder

I've been using this method to pour knife bolsters,
knife pummels and nose caps on muzzle loading rifles for over 30 years

[mkmound]

I'm not a metallurgist
you use a mixture of 2/3 of 50/50 to 1/3 tin
I dont weight it out or measure I just eyeball it
it also works with straight 50/50 but the bolster will become a little dull over time
I add the tin to increase the brightness and make it harder

I've been using this method to pour knife bolsters,
knife pummels and nose caps on muzzle loading rifles for over 30 years

Thanks!!

[Joe Gondek]

When you get a chance - could you go into more detail on "stain and oil the handle?"

I have only made two antler handled blades, but I didn't do anything to the antler handle.

I plan on to continue this thread to completion onf the sgain
I'll can show different stain types that work well on antler if you want.
I can also bring bleached out antler back to a presentable color

You,ll have to wait for a few days, as work keeps getting in the way of my more important shop time

[Joe Gondek]

Sorry that it has taken so long to get back to this thead by work and family has kept me away from my shop.

I don't use a belt sander just hand files and sand paper.

these are the tools that I use to shape the bolster

the file card is used to keep the file clean while you file.if they are not clean it will leave marks in the metal



shaped and ready for sanding

[Joe Gondek]

I sand starting with a 220 grit
and work up in grades,320,400,600,then crocus paper on the final



I use the same grades of sand paper on the blade and the butt end of the antler
I rub the horn down with 0000 steel wool

this what I use for stain
it is mixed with water 1 part stain to 3 parts water

[Joe Gondek]

The stain goes on a purple color and dries a nice

I apply 2-3 coats and let it dry over night

[Joe Gondek]

Final finish is given using 0000 steel wool dipped in linseed oil
rub it on and buff until you get a shade darker than you want to finished product to be as it will wear lighter over time and use


I also warmed up the blade a lilttle with a propane touch and applied a cold blue solution you can by at any sporting goods shop

this gives it an antique appearance