Thread: 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.





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.