When cleaning up the shop, i found the knife blades i bought before (inspiration Marks post). I have seen buck tines turned into handles when i bought the elk antler this purpose i bought it for.
I cut the grip to a comfortable piece that fit my hand. I opted not to put a metal piece where the antler meets the tang, i thought the antler was pretty enough. You can also cut the tang down a bit.
I then used the belt sander to get that white edged look. Just a light and quick spin does the trick.
There is a few ways to get the tang into the antler.
1) Drill two small holes and file the inside until you have a snug fit. Tape the blade , apply epoxy to the inside of the holes and stick the tang in.
2) Soak the antler for a month in rain water or creek water until the pithy core can be dented with your nail (softer the better) . Tape the blade, secure it in a vise and slowly insert the tang trying not to move left to right ( you will get a sloppy bind. Once done let it dry and it will be just like epoxy.
3) For the impatient (like me), you can boil it. Same thing as the rain water once you can push you thumbnail in and it forms a dent, you're good to go. Unlike the soaking method if you leave it boiling to long it may become fragile.
I actually did a bit of 1 and 3 . I drilled a hole and filed it out a little and then boiled the antler. Overall the knife feel great in the hand. I will be doing something to cover the little gap between the tang and antler, just not sure what yet.More detailed instructions at the following sites:
http://www.fieldandstream.com/antlerknife
http://www.ehow.com/how_4540169_make-deer-antler-handle-knife.html
Thanks for reading !
Paul
