How to Make Antler Knives
A deer antler knife handle is an item prized by many hunting and knife enthusiasts. Making your own deer antler knife is a slow but rewarding process that requires some knowledge of metalworking and a good deal of patience. Preparing the antler for use as a knife handle is the most time consuming and challenging part of the knife-making process, but it can be accomplished as long as you follow a few simple steps.
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Instructions
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1
Purchase a knife blade with a tang. Measure your antler against the tang of the knife blade; the tang should be several centimeters shorter than the antler so that it does not break through the end.
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2
Fill a bucket with cold water. Place the section of antler you are using for your handle in the bucket and leave it there.
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3
Check the pith, or the center, of the antler every other day to see if it is softening. It can take up to a month for the pith to become soft enough for use.
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4
Change the water once a week to reduce bacteria growth around your antler. Old water will make the antler smell bad, although any smell it does acquire will go away with time.
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5
Replace the antler in the water if pressing against the pith does not leave an indentation when pressed with a fingernail or knife. When the pith has softened enough to be indented, leave it in the water for another three days to ensure that it is uniformly soft.
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6
Wrap the end of your knife in tape. Duct tape works best to cover the sharp edge of the blade and protect your hands as you work. Leave the tang exposed.
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7
Remove the antler from the water and dry it with a towel before continuing.
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8
Place the knife in a clamp to hold it steady. Ensure that only the tang is exposed by the clamp.
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9
Cut the tang into a thin wedge shape that is short enough to fit inside the deer antler, if necessary.
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10
Press the core of the antler directly onto the tang of the knife. The tang will cut through the soft pith and become firmly embedded in the antler. Use your body weight for leverage, and press down slowly to avoid putting the antler on crooked.
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11
Continue forcing the tang into the antler until the antler reaches the blade hilt.
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12
Allow the knife to set for several days as the inside of the antler will still be wet and needs to harden around the tang.
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13
Remove the duct tape from your knife after 3 to 4 days of drying.
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