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Horn and antler pens

Dylan

Apprentice Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2014
Posts
37
Location
East Anglia
Has any body tried turning antler or horn for pens if so how did you get on. But if you haven't do you recommend it.

Regards
Dylan
:bwink:
 

Jim

Grand Master
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Posts
15,617
If you do a search using "Antler" you should find a couple of threads regarding this material Dylan .. :wink:
 

Woody

Registered
Joined
Jul 12, 2013
Posts
12,812
Location
at home
First Name
no
I have turned Buffalo horn it turns well and polishes up well but it dose smell of burnt hair never turned Antler as I don't like it turned
 

Grump

Grand Master
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Posts
10,510
Location
Stevenage
First Name
Brian
Yep done both and more I don't like any of it and don't recommend it.
As Woody says it stinks and I think it should stay on the animal it came from.
Personal opinion only, some people love it but I ain't one of em.
 

silver

General dogsbody
Executive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Posts
6,304
Location
Somewhere in Staffordshire,
First Name
Eamonn.
Yep, done both and still do if anyone wants them doing.

Tend to find that the bullet kits was popular in Antler.

I have a Polaris (Marmite...) and a Sierra that I can post if you really want to see them.

As Granddad and Grump say, it does smell but just put a menthol cough sweet in your mouth with a mask on, nuff said init.. dunt bover you then.. :face:
 

Pete B

Registered
Joined
Apr 22, 2013
Posts
264
Location
Almost in Northumberland
Hi Grumps correct it does smell a bit, antler that is.
But if its for sale some people do like it.
Turns easily.sands easy but can be porous, i just used shellawax and microcrystalline wax on top.
This one isn't sanded really smooth and has texture, but it went to a customer in London and she loved it. She bought as a present for her partner only because it was Antler.
If i'm honest i don't really like the material or this kit very much, but its not my taste that counts.
Regards
Pete
Unique bullet ballpoint pen.jpg
 

Woody

Registered
Joined
Jul 12, 2013
Posts
12,812
Location
at home
First Name
no
There is definitely a market for it but for me I'm at the stage and have the luxury were I will only make or turn what I enjoy turning which is good for people who don't mind turning it as there are more sales for them LOL the only way you will really find out for yourself is to have a go explore all the avenues open to you and enjoy
 

Dylan

Apprentice Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2014
Posts
37
Location
East Anglia
The reason why it smells of burnt hair is because it is keratin and your nails and hair is made up of the same stuff as buffalo horn. the reason I know this is because my grandad told me that because he is a stick maker.
 

PhillH

Little Grandad
Registered
Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Posts
3,436
Location
Solihull - A Tyke in Exile
First Name
Phill
Yep indeed buffalo horn stinks revolting.

If you search for buffalo on here you'll see one I did a while back.

I only did it because I had some from my stick making days, won't be rushing to do any more :funny:
 

johnny5

Registered
Joined
Oct 8, 2013
Posts
1,621
Location
Swansea
Be very careful turning Horn.
They can contain some nasty bacteria that you could catch and become quite ill.
Make sure you have good PPE whilst turning.

Deer Bolt action.JPG
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
This reminds me of the story promoted by salesman a young salesman moving into an old established area missed the contact from the previous incumbent so he diligently covered his new area with fresh eyes and no list of unpleasant or recalcitrant customers. He made and developed a marvelous business thriving in every way.

If a new project or opportunity comes your way to do or try new materials, kits, blanks give it a go and create your own history. I for one appreciate contributions made on this forum and sometimes have opposite experiences on these occasions I view presented items carefully and respectfully commenting in the most positive way I can. My two bobs worth. We have in my Wood Group a man in his senior yrs who shapes works all kinds of animal horn with unbelievable results that tell me incredibly beautiful designs are possible understanding the material.

Peter.:goesred:
 

paulm

grave manibus faciendum
Registered
Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Posts
12,046
Location
Sandford
First Name
Paul
I've turned Antler from a roe dear and it was very porous and I found it difficult to get a finish. People do like it and there is a market for it but I didn't like working with it not that I won't have another go some day.
 

Neil

Fellow
Joined
May 21, 2013
Posts
3,137
Location
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
First Name
Neil
Take one antlered roe dear, remove and discard antlers, pre heat to gas mark 5 and serve with a red wine jus, roast potatoes. Like mine rare. Woods for turning dear for eating!
 

paulm

grave manibus faciendum
Registered
Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Posts
12,046
Location
Sandford
First Name
Paul
Take one antlered roe dear, remove and discard antlers, pre heat to gas mark 5 and serve with a red wine jus, roast potatoes. Like mine rare. Woods for turning dear for eating!

Now thats my language. Deer and chips, yummm
 
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