Small antlers for scales

[P_D]

I have the antlers of the first buck I harvested several years ago. It was a cull buck, and although the antlers are unimpressive, they hold a sentimental value to me.

I would like to use these antlers as knife scales and have something besides a puny spike to remember this important "first". Because of the small size of the antlers, I don’t have much to work with. The thickest part of each antler is maybe 2 inches in length and a little under 3/4 of an inch width.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a folding knife that has small enough scales that 2"x.7" pieces of antler would work?

Also, this would be my first knife project. Is a project with small scales a bad idea for a first project?

[eveled]

I would think a fixed blade would be easier. Maybe a Buck 102?

My concern being it is your first attempt at this, you may ruin it all and end ip with no keepsake at all.

I’ve seen beautiful bolo ties or belt buckles made from the base of the antler, so don’t discard those. If they aren’t used on the knife.

The tine tips can be used as beads or for a necklace or earrings.

[Reverand]

Whitetail antler is very hard to work with, due to the fact that it is so curved. Even when a piece looks straight, when you cut off a 1/4" layer you quickly realize it has more curvature than you thought. But it can be done.
I highly recommend that you get a handful of inexpensive knives and rehandle a few in wood first. Wood is easier to work with, and you can make your first mistakes and learn from them before you attempt the antler.
Then, when you are ready, go for it!!!

[rea1eye]

I have not done a re-handle nor worked with antlers, but your
idea is very good. All the advice seems very good.

Show us some pictures when you are done. Best of luck!

Bob

[P_D]

Whitetail antler is very hard to work with, due to the fact that it is so curved. Even when a piece looks straight, when you cut off a 1/4" layer you quickly realize it has more curvature than you thought. But it can be done.
I highly recommend that you get a handful of inexpensive knives and rehandle a few in wood first. Wood is easier to work with, and you can make your first mistakes and learn from them before you attempt the antler.
Then, when you are ready, go for it!!!

That seems like good advice, Reverend. Is there a shape or a material or type of wood that would emulate the unique qualities of antler? Also, is there a type of folder you’d recommend? A Barlow seems like it might be easier with only one bolster.

[Reverand]

Oh yes! A barlow is much easier to do, as is any barehead jack pattern.
There is not a type of wood that will emulate working with antler, I just believe that wood is far easier to work with in general. It tends to split and crack less, and is overall more forgiving. It would just be good to learn how to take a knife apart and get it back together again, in my opinion.
Then once you have mastered some basics, move up a level with antler. You can do a lot of the work with hand tools, but you will still need to accumulate some pin stock, punches, etc.
Be very careful though - this becomes addictive!!!