How to Cut a Deer Antler Into a Handle
- 1). Choose a section of your deer antler that feels comfortable in your grip, is a good counterbalance to the knife blank you will be using and is attractive in appearance
- 2). Cut the antler section to the desired length with a hacksaw, antler cutting wire saw or any other saw with which you would typically cut wood.
- 3). Sand down any rough edges on the ends of your antler section. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
- 4). Tape the blade of your knife blank carefully to protect your hands.
- 5). Slip the knife guard, if you choose to use one, over the knife's tang. File the guard's slot, if necessary so that it will fit the flush against the blade.
- 6). Hold the antler section and knife blank together so you can determine the best location for the hole you will be drilling for the knife's tang.
- 7). Drill a hold into the antler section. Typically, a 5/32" or 3/16" inch bit should work best. Widen as necessary, increasing the size of your drill bit until the tang can almost fit.
- 8). Mark the shape of the tang with a pencil or other marking tool on the antler end and gradually widen the hole to fit the tang.
- 9). Finish the hole in the antler carefully by filing or sanding down the opening for the tang with a rasp or chisel. Take care not to make the hole too big. You want the tang to fit in the opening snugly.
- 10
Work the tang into the hole you have created in the antler. Be careful while inserting the blade, so as not to cut yourself. - 11
Apply an epoxy to the hole to bind the knife's tang in place. Use an epoxy that is a close match in color to your antler. You can also mix in some of the antler shavings from your drilling to the epoxy to help it blend in with the rest of the handle.
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