How to Make Antler Handle Knives
- 1). Determine the size knife you would like to build and purchase the blade blank that you will be using for your knife. Next, choose the antler tine that best fits the need of the knife. Consider the use of the knife, how you will hold the handle in you hand, and how it matches the size of your blade blank.
- 2). Cut the tine from the antler at the length that will fit the knife blade blank you have chosen, using a fine-tooth saw. Draw a template of the desired handle shape and design (this will help you to determine the depth, size, and angle of the hole that you need to bore in the antler tine). Using the knife blade tang, determine the size drill bit needed and the depth to drill. The tang on the blade blank should be just long enough that it will fit in the center of the length of the antler tine.
- 3). Place the template alongside of the blade blank and the antler tine to assist you with the drilling procedure. Drill a pilot hole in the antler tine at the center of the antler tine. Holding the antler tine and the blade blank side by side so that the blade blank tang is behind the antler tine and aligned with the pilot hole; check to see if the position of both is correct.
- 4). Chose the size drill bit needed to allow the proper depth of the blade tang to be inserted into the antler tine. Drill the hole to that depth and check that the blade tang fits the handle as planned. Use the rasp and sandpaper and smooth any undesired roughness or edges from the tine. Also, use the rasp and shape the end of the tine before you use the adhesive to mount the blade blank in the tine.
- 5). Inject the adhesive into the hole you drilled in the antler tine and insert the blade blank in until it is seated at the depth and angle position you desire. Allow to cure overnight and you knife is ready for many years of enjoyable use or just to display and reminisce about all the memories it brings to mind.
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