First Deer Antler Attempt

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8LRmz9QFmLMd2hCc0Z4UlJjOG8/view?usp=docslist_api

So with @dancom nomination in the new maker of 2016 I figured I would do a knife in honer of my nomination from him.

This is my first attempt at using deer antler as a handle material. Also forged this camp knife today as well. O1 STEEL blade and hidden tang just for added challenge. I think it came out fairly well for a first try. What do you people think?.

Pb

 

Always great trying new stuff! I really want to try my hand at beating metal...

My critique would be simply on shaping the antler a little. I was quite pleased on the effect when I worked the moose antler on my last handle (and my first working antler as well). Antler seems to sand/grind quite well, although it is a bit stinky while working. Once done it is so smooth and warm in hand though!

Keep it up!!!

 

Thank you @bobbybirds will have to try but I have to admit I really like the natural antler look and texture. Also doing 99% by hand with the metal and handle work.

I will also admit that rasping and digging out antler out by hand... damn that hurts Lol.

Oh and word of warning... never listen to your wife when she says she learnt a new way to dye leather. I thought she splurged and got leather dye... nope apple cider viniger and food colouring... the sheath I cut for a kirki is now toast... $42 shoulder is now no longer.... gerrrrr

 

Out of curiosity how bad is the leather? If really stiff and wrinkled it may be possible to save by wetting the leather and stretching it out nice and flat. Much like is done with a fresh hide.

 

Tried that already, but I am very thankful for the tip.

Happy vd everyone

 

I wouldnt scrap the shoulder just yet. lots of possible uses for it still. It should be totally fine to use for things like stacked leather handles, welts that get sown into a sheath and are not visible, backers for various sanding sticks, or cut it into strips and glue it flesh side down, to some wooden boards that are like 1.5x10 and boom, you have a batch of strops you can sell or include with your knives. The strops get rubbed down each time with some green buffing compound so the surface texture of the leather isn't a huge deal. If you make 10 strops and sell tem for even $10 a piece you double your money on what would otherwise be useless.

 

Also cut out 6" diameter discs and mount on your grinder for a powered strop. Saw that somewhere on a knife makers site and pretty sure a member here as well.

found it:
http://dcknives.blogspot.ca/p/stropping-wheel.html

 

Ummmm... not sure anyone is ever happy about vd but sure... thanks?? Lol

 

Thank god someone said it

 

I couldn't resist lol

 

I can imagine all the people doing a walk of shame this morning after the bar last night saying "well i gotta go, but Happy VD" lol

 

Lol