Elk Antler question

[Ken s]

I'm doing a pistol grip in Elk Antler. I've worked in burl, walnut, ivory, everything but Elk. Any hints????? does it shrink??? Thanks..newbie...Ken

[Bruce Bird]

Hi Ken
Are you power carving the antler? If you are then you should wear a good dust mask. In my experience elk does not shrink. Cut into the antler some where with a hand saw and check out how thick the enamal is . Antler can be filed and scraped with a knife to remove scratches.
Bruce

[Dan S]

It won't shrink. It will be pourous. I've truned antler and used superglue to fill the voids and create a high shine. It's a lot of fun really. some photos of your grips when you complete them.

Dan

[Ken s]

thanks guys...I'm finished and it buffed up like ivory. I cut the piece with a band saw to get almost all hard bark without the soft inside. The small grips made this possible. I rubbed a little mineral oil on them, as I do ivory.
Now, what to do with the two pieces left over/???????? Ken

[idigjars]

Very nice! I purchased some elk antler to use as a knife grip and hope it turns out as well as your project. Thank you for sharing with us. Paul

[Scott Hagerty]

They look great! I like the way they are set off with the dark blue of the revolver!

[AL...]

Nice job on the .38 The new grips realy pop .
Thanks for sharing
Cheers
AL