Thread: Does Horn Need to be Treated?

I was wondering if horn needs to be treated in any way proir to being used for scales.
A friend has cattle and I was going to attempt to make scales from the discarded horns he has.
Any suggestions/comments?
I would also like to use bone eventually and I would expect that it would definately need some kind of treatment.
Any suggestions regarding what would be needed for this would also be appreciated.

Neatsfoot oil does wonder with Horn. You can let it soak or rub it in with the oil. I like to rub it in and let it sit overnight. Repeat in necessary.

Originally Posted by Maximilian

Neatsfoot oil does wonder with Horn. You can let it soak or rub it in with the oil. I like to rub it in and let it sit overnight. Repeat in necessary.

This is the best method there is AFAIK.

before I use horn for scales I soak it in neats foot oil for a little bit, it works great.

It sounds like you are treating and preparing raw horn? If so, more than a soak in neetsfoot is needed.

As I remember, something like boil, carve out all the center gooey stuff, split it, lay it flat and stuff.

*****edit****
here's a prior thread with pics of someone who did it

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...beginning.html

If I remember right, it's quite a chore & stinky...