Thread: Making a set of horn scales by hand.

You are right there anything that as the words handmade, should also include the words labor intensive.

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

You are right there anything that as the words handmade, should also include the words labor intensive.

+1 on the time factor to make any scales by hand, it is definitely very labor intensive

A job very well done on this tutorial
I have recently finished my first set of horn scales
Can you tell me how you prevented damage to the scales while trial fitting and shaping the wedge for them?
This is the part that gave me the most problems when making my own scales
Thank you for sharing this tutorial

Hi Ricky, lets say we have finished the dry run of fitting the blade with micro nuts and bolts and everything seems fine, now what I do is make the wedge a little to big so as to stand a little proud of the scales, now pin the wedge tightly into the horn scales without the blade, then rework the wedge until flush and smooth then proceed with higher end grits until both wedge and scales are highly polished and finished, like this one.

..what about the finish,.. do you apply and finishing substance to the horn scales or is it all just sand paper and polishing,... if so, what kind of polishing compound do you usually use on horn (I'm guessing that eg rouge does leave too much of a color on honey and buffalo horns)?

I do apply a little neatsfoot oil occasionally you can also apply a little Ren wax and buff them off with a dry cloth.

Thanks for sharing with us, Jaime. It is amazing what someone with skill can do with minimal tools. I am about ready to try my hand at scale making so I was excited when you posted this. Thanks again.

p.s. Great close up pictures!

Hi Jaime
Many thanks for the great tutorial, its just what I was looking for as i have only this week managed to get hold of a lovely horn and am intending to make some scale from it !
One question - The horn has a natural curve to it an I wonder if you know of any technique of straightening it flat ?
I have look on Wiki and generally on the forum and web and cannot find an answer - any ideas anyone ?