Little Blade with antler

[opaul]

I'm beginning to like working with antler especially on the smaller blades. Just finished this one up.

 

[Mark Barone]

Really nice. How easy is it to sand? Does it have to be stabilized?

 

[opaul]

Really nice. How easy is it to sand? Does it have to be stabilized?

I find it very easy to work with and finishes nicely. I don't stabilize the antler. Antler has been used for knife handles for a long time so I'm good with out stabilizing. Others may think differently.

 

[Chris Railey]

That is very cool. Is it a whitetail antler or a mulie??

 

[Sean Jones]

Looks very nice. I have some antler my daughter gave me. I'll have to give it a try.

 

[opaul]

That is very cool. Is it a whitetail antler or a mulie??

It’s elk antler. I pick up pieces when i’m at pet smart. I’m always going through their boxes of antler- probably think i’m nuts.

 

[opaul]

That is very cool. Is it a whitetail antler or a mulie??

The whole antler in the photo is whitetail, I found on my property.

 

[Smallshop]

Very nice and simple! I like it!

 

[Chris Railey]

I was wondering how you got such a fat piece of antler. I have used whitetail antler but to get it flat on the backside for scales it has to be really thick. The pet smart trick is a great idea though.

 

[Chris Railey]

Did you color the antler at all?

 

[opaul]

Very nice and simple! I like it!

Thanks Ted. I thought so well, I plan on doing more like this one.

 

[opaul]

Did you color the antler at all?

I did. The antler was washed out looking so I stained it with leather dye.

 

[Motor City Mike]

Hmmm. Pet Smart. That's a good idea.

 

[Mark Barone]

I find it very easy to work with and finishes nicely. I don't stabilize the antler. Antler has been used for knife handles for a long time so I'm good with out stabilizing. Others may think differently.

I'm new to this but I really don't like stabilized anything. I know it is good for longevity , but I don't like working with it. I think it takes away from the natural feel of the wood.

 

[opaul]

I'm new to this but I really don't like stabilized anything. I know it is good for longevity , but I don't like working with it. I think it takes away from the natural feel of the wood.

To each his own.

 

[Smallshop]

I can't tell the difference between stabilized and non...but I like a very sealed shiny or satin top coat. Maybe on the more natural finishes you can feel the difference?

 

[opaul]

I can't tell the difference between stabilized and non...but I like a very sealed shiny or satin top coat. Maybe on the more natural finishes you can feel the difference?

.
Once it is sanded to 600 grit or higher and finished/ waxed I don’t know if I could tell any difference.

 

[DanF]

I was in Pet Smart last weekend, saw the antlers ard thought, "can I?"
Now I know, thanks Opaul!
(I ordered some through Culpepper last fall, darned pricey.

 

[Sean Jones]

It’s elk antler. I pick up pieces when i’m at pet smart. I’m always going through their boxes of antler- probably think i’m nuts.

With five cats I'm in Petsmart all the time. I'll have to start looking on the dog aisle for these...cool idea

 

[opaul]

I was in Pet Smart last weekend, saw the antlers ard thought, "can I?"
Now I know, thanks Opaul!
(I ordered some through Culpepper last fall, darned pricey.

I stop by regularly. There are three pet stores close by so it’s easy to do. One even carries water buffaloe horn and sheep horn for dog chews.