Straightening Antler

[Tim Crosby]

I put this piece in a can full of Apple Cider Vinegar on the 2nd of Mar and let it soak for 5 weeks. Took it out on the 6th of Apr and Clamped it between two pieces of wood and let it sit until Today and it seems dry and flat, it is for a knife handle. I will let it set a couple weeks before I work it. Unfortunately I have lost the before Pic to the PC Devil but trust me, it was Really curved.
 Worth a try.


 Tim C. 

[skillman]

I have heard from a number of people that this works. Good to see it done. One more for the book of tricks.

Steve

[Ky-Flinter]

Yep, it works.  I straightened a piece of antler and used on this knife several years ago.  It has held it's shape.





-Ron

[oldtravler61]

  Ron very nice knife. Thanks Tim for the tip. Going to give this a try. Happy Easter everyone. Oldtravler

[smylee grouch]

This sounds like a great idea as most antler that I have is quite curved. But I am wondering if the acidity in the vinegar would ever start corroding the carbon steels or is the antler purged of all that after it gets worked into the knife handle?

[hanshi]

Now this is information worth knowing.  Maybe, now, I can straighten the small, curvy pieces and make more powder measures.

[Ky-Flinter]

One problem with this process, is the surface gets really soft and when you press it you loose that natural, bumpy, gnarly surface.  But if you were going to file it smooth anyway, no worries.

-Ron

[J Henry]

  When you clamp it could you use a board with Bark On if the surface was in question??Ad your own texture,or use polymer clay and make a mold for texture.has to work on it.I have some nice White Tail Antlers but they are twisted and crooked.

[Tim Crosby]

  When you clamp it could you use a board with Bark On if the surface was in question??Ad your own texture,or use polymer clay and make a mold for texture.has to work on it.I have some nice White Tail Antlers but they are twisted and crooked.

  Give it a try and see.

    Tim C.

[J Henry]

  Going to go the next step,put the antler in a container of vinegar and use the vacuum "Seal a Meal" to see what happens.The vacuum might pull the vinegar deeper and soften it more,time will tell.

[Smoketown]

Just like powder horns, you can always boil them ...   

http://goneoutdoors.com/straighten-deer-antler-knife-handle-5561158.html


Cheers,
Smoketown

[Tim Crosby]

 Sometimes simple just goes right on by, I will try it.

 Thanks, Tim C.