I've been researching for the best possible restoring treatments for the above esp. horn for the handle of my (near completed) skien dubh. There is of course a list as long as your arm on what works and what Really works so I've made a simple formular up to the best of my knowledge. So far so good! Both horn, antler and leather (and hands for that matter) have been soaking it up brilliantly.
Ing:
Baby Oil, also known as Mineral Oil
Lamb Kidney Fat (this is the best known fat avail. for cooking as it's the most readily absorbed. Ask your butcher).
Essential oil for scenting eg. patchouli, cedar etc.(optional)
Boil fat (I used a decent handfull) in water 5 mins, scoop off crud on top and discard. Drain and heat on medium-low heat till all fat has liquified, or until it stops liquifying. This may take an hour or so, watch it doesn't burn.
Discard any leftover fat. Drain through folded paper towel or coffee perculator bag etc. Now we have lard! You can cook with any that's leftover.
Mix about 7 parts lard with 3 parts oil. Add any essential oil to your own liking.
It smells quite clean, so long as it wasn't mutton but lamb that was used. Otherwise you get tallow and that's great for your period candle making and oiling ships rigging but not too flash on the nose. Hope it can be of use folks!
Erin
Originally Posted by David Thornton
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