Originally Posted by
shutterbug
I would practice your carving on the tine tips and other smaller areas to give you some practice with working the antler. Also, Using the large base at the bottom of an antler set would make for a cool "top" for a brush handle. Leave the base and cut a few inches up, useing the "upper" portion for the knot.
You might also sand out small sections (ovals ect.) and leave the rest of the texture in place, and do schrimshaw work on the sanded areas.
Bolster the ends of the scales with some silver or nickle to help reinforce the ends and pinning, and maybe a matching band of silver around the cut end of the brush by the knot to help prevent splitting.
just a few thoughts.