Winston died

I contemplated for a while whether to post this in the conversation forum or in The Workshop.
Because I also have technical question, I'll keep the emotional part of this post short, and take my chances by putting it here.

Yesterday, Winston died.
He hung himself at a piece of rope, that I tied around a tree and left there over a year ago.
Winston was my friend. We shared a sense of obstinateness, but he had more humor than me.
When he was not chasing females, he like minding his own business and generally not doing much at all.



http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...02-winston.jpg

I wept while a sawed off his horns and buried his remains.
I hope to make some nice scales out of them and remember Winston well while using them.
I have no experience working with (rams) horn and all advice is welcome.
Will the horns conserve themselves as they are, or do I need to do something to preserve them?
Do they need to dry like wood? Can I work them like wood? Is there a concern with grain?
Nothing but questions.

Thanks,

Bart.

Nothing to add other than condolences. I had 2 goats growing up (Elvis and Charlie Daniels), and they were awesome guys.

I had to put my daughters goat down last fall, a sad day. He was quite the character.

Aw, man. That really sucks, Bart. I'm glad he'll be able to live on as a work of art made by you, and may sunnier days come your way soon.


All the best,

My sympathies! He looks like he had a great life.

Sincere condolences.

Sorry to hear about Winston. May his spirit live on through your razor. My sympathy and condolences go out to you.

Sorry about your loss.

AFAIK all you need to do is control drying so that they don't crack. You can do that with oil or wax, the former being preferable.
Work as you would wood, there is a grain and it is anisotropic like wood. Sharp tools and low heat.

May he rest in peace.

There are several good recipes for straightening horn including hot water, steam and some pressure clamping on something flat and straight until they setup again.

Horn does not smell very good when wet however. YMMV.

It's tough to lose some one close. Best wishes.

Wow Bart, sorry to hear.

On the scale topic- Horn is very fickle. It likes to warp for no reason at the most inopportune times. As Mike said you can straighten it a number of ways. I would think about maybe stabilizing it too, but I don't know if most knifemakers stabilize horn or not. Buddel did bone scales a while back and posted about the drying/cleaning/cutting process. It may be very similar here- sorry I dont have the time to look for it, but it shouldn't be too hard to find.

Hi Bart, my condolences.

I have no advice about treating bone, because I don't know much about it.
I just wanted to say I think it is a good way to remember Winston.

I'm sorry to hear about Winston, Bart - pets and farm animals we get to know are always hard when they die, especially suddenly.

A very nicely scaled razor - with some of your best steel - will be a fitting tribute to your departed friend.

Mark

I am sorry to hear of the loss. Please do not feel guilt. I once knew a man who had tied his goat to a truck bumper. He forgot the goat when he left for work in morning's darkness. It took a long time for recovery over his loss and blame. You are good to make Winston still be with us. Thank you for sharing. Peace for you in this Christmas Season. Time will heal. Robert

I'm sorry to hear this Bart.. I wish you all the best..

Maarten

My condolences also.Our pets can get to be like family members.He looked to be a good buddy.

Hey mate,
Sorry about Winston. It's amazing how animals can become part of your life & how strong the bonds grow.
I know nothing about rams horn though, i'm afraid, but that's a lovely way to keep the memories.

Thank you all for the heartwarming words. It really means a lot to me.
Also thanks to those that posted a few guidelines for working with horn.
For those inrterested in working with horn, I googled a bit and found this link:
Using and working with Horn - Working Horn
From all the options presented, I think that I will boil the horns first on a little gas burner that I can place outside.

Bart.

I'm sorry for your loss, but you shouldn't be sad he probably has a better life awaiting him.