Thread: Working with horn

I'm restoring a boker that I found at an antique mall. The horn scales were pretty bug bitten, but now I've found a source for black buffalo horn. I've never worked with horn before. What is required to cut and shape horn?

don't know but i heard the smell can be overwhelming. i am still waiting for a antelope rack my brother is supposed to be sending my way. then i get to experiment.

let us know.

vgod

I've only just recently started working with Buffalo horn and have tried hand cutting the scales. That stuff really stanks when cutting (think burnt hair, which is what horn really is IIRC - hair). Joe Chandler gave me a tip to use water and cut the horns while wet.

I stopped cutting and am waiting to take the slabs to someone who has a bandsaw since I want to rip the slabs in half.

Chris L

Wear a resperaitor. Often times you can repair bug bites with epxoy.

from my expeirence working with horn on Khukri's (another addiction) it does smell something awful but not as bad as the Laha (nepalese epoxy used to hold the handle on the blade) a trick I learned was to soak the horn in mineral oil for a few days then let it dry for another few days. This will help prevent it from shrinking with climate changes. CA glue also does wonders repairing cracks.

also I use a coping saw, files and sandpaper to shape it. I get the best finish taking it to 400 grit then buffing it with either a dremel or on a buffing wheel in my electric drill I put into my bench vice (poor mans buffer)

Nothing against bandsaws, I only use alcohol powered tools... you know handtools. I rip horn for koshirae with Z brand beading saw. Coping saw, files, sandpaper etc. I don't mind the smell. I always try to hold on the stuff for a year or two before using it so I know it is fully cured and after that I feel it is pretty inert.

Originally Posted by kevint

Nothing against bandsaws, I only use alcohol powered tools... you know handtools. I rip horn for koshirae with Z brand beading saw. Coping saw, files, sandpaper etc. I don't mind the smell. I always try to hold on the stuff for a year or two before using it so I know it is fully cured and after that I feel it is pretty inert.

I often work with very old horn scales to repair them. These older ones do not stink up as bad as new horn. The older it is the better.But no kidding with about the resperaiter. A painters 1/2 face at about $30.00 from Harbor Freight will keep the stink to a minimum.

It is a good idea. I don't tend to get a lot of air borne dust. I have an air filter in my "shop". Imho though a particle mask is sufficient.

Originally Posted by kevint

... I only use alcohol powered tools... you know handtools. ....

Awesome... just awesome.