"another knifemaking help needed"

[LadyGriffin]

I have two sgian dubhs blanks from Atlanta Cutlery and one Dirk. I am going to try and make antler handles. I have been told to cut the antler to the size needed for the grip, and boil them to make them soft and just shove the blade tang into it.
1st, is this the right or even the best method?
2nd, Should there be soemthing between the antler and the blade like a bit of metal or smething?
I obviously have NOT tried this sort of thing before and want to do it right.
This is going to be a gift for my Kilted lad for his Birthday in a few months.

help?



Oh yes, and any suggestions or sources for making/getting sheaths?

[PiobBear]

I have been told to cut the antler to the size needed for the grip, and boil them to make them soft and just shove the blade tang into it.
1st, is this the right or even the best method?

Never heard of that one before. I vote for drilling a hole the depth of the tang (not all the way through), and after dry-fitting it and making sure everything's fitting precisely the way you want it, epoxying it in place.

2nd, Should there be soemthing between the antler and the blade like a bit of metal or smething?

If you'd like, but not necessarily. A disc of something dark and contrasting, like ebony, worked down flush with the antler might be nice. Perhaps a band of brass or silver if you can silver solder.

Oh yes, and any suggestions or sources for making/getting sheaths?

A scabbard can be made of two pieces of wood, like boxwood; the two surfaces (mirror images) carved out to take the blade, then epoxied together. A sheath can be sewn by hand from leather; for such a small project, perhaps from a purse from a thrift store.

[solstice]

I can vouch that what you described works, I've seen it done before.
Can't really help with the others though...

[Raptor]

well, I've just learned something too! With a nice antler coming ATM, I'm keen to try that tip.

[Rab Gordon]

You may find that drilling and using epoxy is faster and easier. It's certainly a very secure method.
Apply some mold release or wax to the blade to make clean up easier, I use acetone for clean up.
A piece of wood, horn or metal can finish off the ends neatly, again just epoxy these on but drill some very shallow holes in them to give extra grip for the epoxy.

Rab

[Piper]

I've made some sgian dubhs (sgians dubh?) and dirks. I usually use wood, preferably oak, for the handles, but I like to use antler, especially for the sgians, when I get some good pieces. I make the wooden handles from two mating pieces epoxied (or gorilla glued) together, the antler I drill out. In both cases I cross drill at the bolster and pommel to make a notch at the end, and pour in lead free pewter. I also glue the blades in place in the handles. The pewter finishes up nicely. Between the pewter and the epoxy, it's a very secure attachment. I'm right in the middle of some projects right now, 6 sgians and 4 dirks. A friend recently gave me a set of Elk antlers. They're big enough that I might be able to use antler on a dirk as well.
As far as sheaths, I prefer veg tanned (carving) leather. I stitch it up, soak it in water, insert the knife and let it dry to shape. Then I can dye or finish it as I choose. I've also had good results with wood, as Piobear mentioned. I get some 1/4"x2" poplar at a local home supply. I can route out the knife cavity, glue the halves together and cover it with upholstery weight leather for a sturdy, good looking sheath.
I've used boiling for cow horn when I've made powder horns, horn combs and such for reenacting, but I don't think it would work well with antler (too solid)

[Howard Clark]

I would not boil antler. Drill and epoxy is the way to go. And a pin through crossways if you want mechanical fastening too.

I would suggest www.dfoggknives.com as an excellent source of information regarding this kind of stuff, as well as a knifemaking specific BB that is top notch. Also www.britishblades.com for the same reasons.

[TheSp8]

Yes, the boiling will work with antler. That said, it needs to boil a long time and you have to be able to push the tang all the way in with one push. If you stop it will hold tight. I've used this method making a couple of patch knives but have switched to drilling a hole and using epoxy. I've also drilled slightly undersize and boiled the antler then pushed the antler onto the tang as the blade was held in a vise. By the way, boiling antler and horn usually have a smell that most modern folks find less than pleasant.

YMOS,
Tony

[turpin]

By the way, boiling antler and horn usually have a smell that most modern folks find less than pleasant.

YMOS,
Tony

Even drilling releases a stink - And as the bit heats up it softens the antler just like boiling and, if you stop the bit, the antler will tighten up on the bit and you'll have the devil of a time getting it out.

Also, I have read online that dust from drilling or sawing antler can be toxic if inhaled. Can anyone confirm this? I always try to use a dust mask, clean up right afterwards, or do the work outside.