Thread: Old horn stock

Hey folks, I wasn't sure if this was the right area to post this so if not, sorry moderators.
I inherited a set of horns with a black hoof mounted in the middle from my dad in the 70s.
Now that I have taken to this straight razor, ummm, addiction i have decided I would like to make some brush handles, maybe some scales out of this set.
any tips or suggestions as to
A) what are these, cow, ram, etc.
B) how to best make use of the material so as not to ruin them for not. i.e.cut lengthwise , not in half, etc.
C) can I turn the hoofs on a lathe and make brush handles from them?
I presume there is more raw material then I need once I know what to do so might have some stock to share.
cheers.

That looks like a set of Texas Longhorn horns. I have a similar set i bought on the Mexican border. I can't advise on processing those into usable scale material, but I'm sure one of the experts will stop by shortly and assist in that regard.

Originally Posted by CastSteel

That looks like a set of Texas Longhorn horns. I have a similar set i bought on the Mexican border. I can't advise on processing those into usable scale material, but I'm sure one of the experts will stop by shortly and assist in that regard.

You need to band saw them until you get to a usable thickness,than slab them,not easy to do.
The hooves will most likly not be usable for brush handles, they will be cracked and split.

I've worked a little with horn and know from experience that the horn is thicker toward the tips and depending on how much it has been polished or sanded it might be thick enough for scales in other places. problem is it's a pretty curly horn and you might end up having to straighten them before use. i'd use a handsaw or hacksaw to cut it though since cutting an odd shape on a saw can be kind of dangerous. hooves are prety thin to use for turning. IMHO

Thanks for the replies gents.
So I'm just spit balling here but I wonder if I can make the horn tips into brush handles if I cut down to where the girth is bigger then my knot on the brush head and fit accordingly.
The rest, cut into 6 1/2 " sections to then cross section into scale slabs. As far as turning horn, do you guys use a drill press or a lathe? Don't think I'll do this one at work as I here it can be some smelly when you work with horn.

I would think the tips would be perfect for turning. Maybe cut the ends long (say maybe 8 inches from the tip) so you can see where the thickness starts. that way you don't waste any of the good stuff. I think there are some articles here that show how to turn without a lathe.