Thread: I got a big horn. Now what?

I had a hard time finding horn in the Netherlands (hoorn in Dutch), for one thing because there's a city called Hoorn... Finally, I got one that looks nice, is large and straight and I'm eager to make some scales out of it.

I don't have a press or a car to use as a press, so I cannot flatten it. I do have a band saw though, so I can saw slices off. Is that a good approach or do you have better ideas for me?




At least someone loves it

I believe that this link will show you how horn 'can' be worked! With that said, this is the only way that I've ever heard of from taking the natural horn and making it suitable for making scales or other items!

The Making of Abbeyhorn Shoe Horns | A Continuous Lean.

While I've never transferred natural horn to flattened horn, you will need some kind of heat source and a way to flatten it! Any friends you can call upon????

I hope this helps!

Is it well seasoned (dry) If so I would Epoxy it to a Board and slab it against a fence thru the bandsaw.
Clamp the slabs in place untill ready to use.

Thanks guys. I'd seen the video before, he makes it look so easy!

Bill, is the clamping meant to prevent warp?

Originally Posted by Laurens

Thanks guys. I'd seen the video before, he makes it look so easy!

Bill, is the clamping meant to prevent warp?

IMO yes, Is a natural material,changes in humidity will make it move.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

IMO yes, Is a natural material,changes in humidity will make it move.

Wouldn't that problem still arise when the scales are made and the razor is in use? Please bear with me, I know little to nothing about horn (except the smell).

Originally Posted by Laurens

Wouldn't that problem still arise when the scales are made and the razor is in use? Please bear with me, I know little to nothing about horn (except the smell).

If well seasoned, is usually not a problem,Once the scales are pinned in place,they are clamped in place IMO

Good to know, thanks again How does one tell if horn is well seasoned? When it stops smelling meaty?

Originally Posted by Laurens

Good to know, thanks again How does one tell if horn is well seasoned? When it stops smelling meaty?

Cannot tell you, like wood, it has to age before using.I do know Musk ox Horn has to be aged at least a yr before using it.
Yours looks like a long horn steer,do you know when it was cut?

No idea when it was cut. I bought it a few days ago from a home decoration webshop, so I don't suppose it has aged a year. I'll just give it a try and see what happens, there's enough material for quite a few sets of scales, I think