Buffalo horn makes magnificent stick handles
Buffalo horn is normally supplied in solid pieces making it simpler to work than rams or cow horn which usually has a hollow section that requires bulking to make it solid. Buffalo horn is strong and requires plenty of wet or dry heat to make it sufficiently pliable to allow it to be bent to shape around a former. Because it is dense and strong it requires more heat than rams or cow horn; if dry heat is used be careful not to damage the horn by applying too much heat.
The main point to watch when bending buffalo horn is to allow it to cool and set before removing it from your jig otherwise it may try to revert to its original shape and crack on the inside of a bend. Be patient!
Buffalo horn is quite versatile, it can be bent gently or tightly to make all types of handles and can be highly polished to give a perfect finish. It can also be successfully carved using rotary burrs, cutters and rasps to make attractive animal or birds heads of your choice.
Suppliers sell the horn in different grades and sizes, pre-formed handles can also be purchased if you don't have the equipment to bend and shape the horns yourself. Some of the pre-formed handles may require a small amount of work to achieve your desired finish.
Buffalo horn is normally supplied in solid pieces making it simpler to work than rams or cow horn which usually has a hollow section that requires bulking to make it solid. Buffalo horn is strong and requires plenty of wet or dry heat to make it sufficiently pliable to allow it to be bent to shape around a former. Because it is dense and strong it requires more heat than rams or cow horn; if dry heat is used be careful not to damage the horn by applying too much heat.
The main point to watch when bending buffalo horn is to allow it to cool and set before removing it from your jig otherwise it may try to revert to its original shape and crack on the inside of a bend. Be patient!
Buffalo horn is quite versatile, it can be bent gently or tightly to make all types of handles and can be highly polished to give a perfect finish. It can also be successfully carved using rotary burrs, cutters and rasps to make attractive animal or birds heads of your choice.
Suppliers sell the horn in different grades and sizes, pre-formed handles can also be purchased if you don't have the equipment to bend and shape the horns yourself. Some of the pre-formed handles may require a small amount of work to achieve your desired finish.
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