How to Use Water to Attach an Antler Handle to a Knife Blade

Skip to 11:52 if you just want to see how I attach the antler handle.
I always found it intersting that you can take an antler and securely attach it to a knife blade without using rivets or epoxy.
This video shows how I take an old crusty knife blade, select an antler handle, then prep the blade and attach the handle with boiling water and a little bit of elbow grease.

[@sionnanmaree]

This is the exact technique that I needed to see. Thank you!

[@user-qn9ob6cv5c]

Dude !!! That was so cool ‘!! Thanks for the tutorial!!! That’s so cool !!! No pins, no epoxy?? Can’t wait to get an antler!!!

[@lewiswereb8994]

The outside of the antler reaches 212 degrees F, (the water boing point) about the same time the water does.............but the inside is still lower in temperature. Leave it boil for a few minutes, (5 or 6) so that everything reaches the same temperature. And red vegiesoup has a great idea, ,use a rubber mallet. And mount the antler vertically in the vise. I have made many hundred knife handles my self, but never mounted any like you show. But I am surely going to try it, and thanks for showing this method.

[@Watcherrye]

I wouldn't have ever done this wearing Crocks. Boiling hot water on the feet does not feel good. Great job, and I did learn a lot from your video. Thanks tons!

[@jonathanhigginbotham6964]

O.M.G im not the only one to wear crocs whilst doing serious work!!

[@OnTheRiver66]

I never knew the inside of an antler will get soft in boiling water. Good to know. Thanks for the video!

[@billmixson3218]

Works really well...........Thanks!

[@DavidGrassSr]

Never did this before, made lots of deer horn knifes but, never use this before going to try it.. your never to old to learn..Texas

[@ProspectorPhil]

Really appreciate your comment Big Tex! The day I quit learning is the day I die. Glad I could help showing you a different way to do something. I'd be curious to see/hear how this method works for you. The main points to remember are having enough pith to handle the tang and shoving the tang into the antler as straight as possible without wiggling it. Good luck my friend.

[@leoramirez7583]

WOW you did it old West style awesome 👍 thanks for sharing

[@pukicat]

Thanks for the video Prospector Phil . I've done a few antler handles using epoxy glue and they have worked out fine. Having the tang clean and roughing it up with a file works best. The glue will stick to the metal and it will not rust. Cheers!

[@ProspectorPhil]

Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it greatly. This video demonstrates an easy way to attach a handle with only water and an antler. I know most people use epoxy so now I'm curious which holds up better? Now I'm thinking we need a comparison strength test ala Forged in Fire style. Both methods seem good, I think the question is: which is better? Cheers buddy!

[@jamesstone9904]

Vinegar works great for removing surface rust, just soak it for a few hours and hit it with some steel wool that way you don't lose any patina or lettering on the blade

[@michaelarmbruster586]

Can also mold horn by soaking it in vinegar ll

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

A " Do it Yourself Craftsman" - wearing CROCS ! I am so confused. Just playing. Excellent video, Learned a lot. Any hand-made antler blade of any kind can sometimes be expansive. Thanks for giving me motivation for my next project.

[@paulhomsy2751]

Your final work is excellent, the guard is well in place and the handle looks great ! Why don't you help the handle cool off with cold water once it's in its final place against the guard? It wont crack the antler. A suggestion; sharpen the edge of the steel handle just slightly with a file to allow it to dig into the antler, you may need less attempts to install it all the way to the guard which in general may result in more stability.

[@garrettstraffon608]

Dude that was really cool. Thanks for showing me that you can do this. I love finding sheds and I’ve found some that would work great for this and make me a nice hunting knife of my own. Awesome man

[@robertstrohlin6051]

Nice choice of blades. Perfect size handle choice as well. That came out Aweeesome!!! Thanks to everyone for the extra tips. Use Vertical downward pressure ✔. Rubber mallet✔. Leather strip for vice✔. Boil 5-6mins✔ My 1st antler handle should be fun for me. Thanks again guys.✊🏽

[@widneyburton1077]

Nicely done. For future reference, scrap leather works very well as a medium to hold a blade in a vice without scratching it up. It grips the blade tightly enough that it won't slide like it did with the rag you used in this video.

[@ramonjason2479]

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[@lawsonbrysen6889]

@Ramon Jason instablaster :)

[@ramonjason2479]

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[@ramonjason2479]

@Lawson Brysen it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@lawsonbrysen6889]

@Ramon Jason glad I could help :)

[@ablackbird4574]

Very useful, I'll definitely try this technique! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with this video.

[@lachy1709]

if you do wiggle it and it goes loose, you can always fill it with epoxy, its not a lost cause.

[@ProspectorPhil]

Very good point! It's nice to get the tang to stick with antler pith but if you don't, epoxy to the rescue.

[@joshuatichota5046]

I'm going to have to try this for my Mora knife, I have had problems making the right handle because of the tang, and the drill.

[@ProspectorPhil]

Cool! Let me know how it goes. I've been playing around with hardwood handles but still really like this process and find myself returning to it time and time again. Thanks for your comment.

[@karenabrams8986]

Nice! Thankyou for showing how you did that.

[@danielfinely8746]

Excellent video ,.. watched it twice

[@timothylongmore7325]

Cool idea

[@luisloya1120]

Awesome tip, much appreciated. 😉

[@bormatnor]

Learn something new every day, thanks.

[@ProspectorPhil]

I love positive feedback, thank you! Sure am grateful when my dorkery proves beneficial to someone.

[@scottcozart8950]

Awesome video. Thank you.

[@fortpecktim6846]

You have your pot to piss in but do you have a window to throw it out of?..lol

[@ProspectorPhil]

lol... that may be a little too fancy for me.

[@erikjensen6503]

Thanks for sharing! Very cool

[@Sage-qd6tf]

I’m about to buy a knife blade off of crazy crow, and i already have two sheds from a buddy who knows people who raise deer! I’m excited!

[@pattreadwell6149]

I've got an old butcher knife that the hickory handles are splitting . Thank you for the instructions

[@ProspectorPhil]

Thank you for the comment. I hope the video helps get your butcher knife back into action.

[@mauricetyack8818]

Thank for your idea ,l didn't know that we can boil the deer handle to fix it .

[@ProspectorPhil]

Thanks for your comment! Boiling loosens the pith just long enough to turn it into a glue that seems to hold really well. Apparently, the same is true for horns, horse hooves, etc. I'm dating myself here but it might be where the jokes come from about sending lame horses to the glue factory. Thanks again!

[@HaraldSjellose]

@@ProspectorPhil does it fill the holes in knife tang too, the ones that you put the pins on on wooden handles

[@vancenceruben1238]

Nice skill

[@waltbellamy9739]

nice job !!!

[@jsboyle3459]

Nice one👍

[@user-bm8xy4cj7l]

Thanks for this vid, amazing! Would you ever use a dab of epoxy on the tang at the last push, just to set it really hard?

[@tonynapoli5549]

Didn’t know that nice video just subscribed 👍

[@donmoxley6413]

Have you tried soaking a piece of antler for a week then working the knife tung into the antler when the antler dries you can't pull it apart

[@eirizarry2568]

Should of pre heated the tang also.....the cold tang...is cooling the inside of the antler

[@chucksmith5002]

If you are going to cut up an Antler to make a knife why not go ahead and get your blade finished not just half done . Now for the left over Antler making rings doesn`t sound bad and when you get closer to the point make a key ring holder by adding a hole for a split ring . Does look good

[@ProspectorPhil]

I agree, all very good and well thought out points. I appreciate your feedback and agree there are countless ways (and hours) one can spend making the best of all the parts of antlers and should definitely do so. My goal with this video was simply to show one method. Did you know you can make rings out of white chalky antlers as well? They make great rings as long as they're thick enough and if you can sand past the chalk decay with enough ring left. I've also seen some cool whistles which sound similar to your keyring idea except with a whistle attached. Been thinking of making a video about that. Make the best of everything you've got and don't hesitate trying different ways to do so. Thanks again for the comment, hope you stay tuned for more.

[@glockerbob]

That was awesome!

[@anthnymalclmrberts3847]

Awesome 👍

[@tonymac2178]

How is it holding up now that it’s seen the hot and cold weather? Has it loosened any, or is the pith glue still strong?

[@ProspectorPhil]

The large knife made in this video was gifted to a friend for his birthday. He loves it, I can't say how it's held up but the brownie points were well worth the effort. Since this video, I've made another and gifted it to a nephew as a right of passage/family tradition... he cradled it like a baby and couldn't wipe the smile off his face. That's gotta be worth something, right? The small knife shown at the first of the video has quickly graduated to my personal "go-to, do-all" utility knife. I pry, cut, dig, and stab anything and everything that needs prying, cutting, digging, and stabbing. Over several years it hasn't failed yet and is as straight and solid as the day I made it. I accidentally left it out in the weather for a few months (our winters are colder than Anchorage, Alaska, and despite some surface rust, it was fine.) Just needed a bit of cleaning and a little sharpening and was good as new. I'd attribute most of this to the initial steel used for the knife but the handle has been more than solid and I expect the knife will be solid and functional for years to come. I really like it and certainly plan on using it that way. Good comment, thank you!

[@skuxx1615]

You made this knife quicker than a single fire roasted Vienna sausage.

[@lonelyplanet1080]

A brass wire brush, or brass wire Dremel bit works great for removing rust..brass is soft, won't scratch

[@nielsvanginkel1952]

Dont u dril a small hole where the tang needs to go?

[@lonelyplanet1080]

awesome video, thanks 👍....its a great idea to boil the antler, but i have a question, wouldn't the water now in the antler cause the steel to badly rust inside the antler once seated onto the knife?

[@Christophersanchez1326]

this should work on a elk antler that is a bit wheathered? not a fresh shead.

[@Sheepdog1314]

I would still pin it, antler shrinks as it gets old, and humidity can do a number on the "glue" part. Soak the rusty blade in mixture of salt and vinegar...and you can heat up the tang to dark red instead of boiling the antler - that's how they used to shoe horses the old fashioned way

[@SirSubT]

I boiled a piece of antler for an hour and it was still way to solid to do this, any ideas why it didnt work for me?

[@ProspectorPhil]

Was the pith exposed? Did you see bubbles coming out the end? If the tang is wider than the pith, it won’t work. Also, most antlers take multiple attempts. Maybe this will give you some ideas. Feel free to comment with more info if you still need help. All the best!

[@Gandalf-The-Green]

You know, you could make a great self defense knife with these antler pieces. Pick a long piece of antler at least half a foot that has a y-shape at the end and file it into almost a pistol grip with the filed down forked ends facing toward you to catch all the force of your thrust while preventing your hand from slipping. You could use a relatively short blade for this, a sturdy, pointy 3 inch blade should do.

[@ProspectorPhil]

Good idea... there's lots of cool things you can do with the natural branches of antlers and being able to set a blade in them gives rise to more possibilities than I can contemplate. Sounds like you're more creative than me... usually when I find a neat old blade, I simply pick an antler chunk that seems to "fit" it and have found this is a good way to secure an antler handle.

[@ProspectorPhil]

I like how you think. There's definitely some very cool things you can do with antlers. This video barely scratches the surface. Thanks for your comment.

[@johnsmith-lx9lw]

cool

[@the_sword_rack1872]

Is there some sort of writing on that blade or am I seeing things? I only noticed it once the rust got removed.

[@pricetag30]

Great tip,but I’d rather use 2 part epoxy and pins.

[@robertsmith616]

Could you also heat the handle some what

[@SGTRandyB]

It’s been a while but if you’re still checking comments... how would this work if I wiggled it a little on purpose, and then filled the gap with epoxy before setting the tang again?

[@brianpalmateer2089]

Hello, to u & other commenters. Will a lower front forleg bone work in same manner as antler?

[@sionnanmaree]

Curious about this too.

[@lupenieto1210]

The tang is going to rust up. There are lots of synthetic options, instead of some dead critters parts. Good work yet crude.

[@dustinchambers4172]

The antler will absorb most of the water just like wood does so the tang rusting isn't really an issue. You can also coat the blade and antler in some oil after a few days to allow the water to dry out of it and it'll help protect the blade and seal the antler

[@rogercaruthers2584]

I think I speak for a vast amount of people that hunt/fish/make knives.... there is something to sticking to ones culture and heritage. Doesn’t always mean they’re dead! She’d antlers go for a pretty penny and also, deer on average are dramatically over populated and if able typically only live 6-8 yrs and that’s an OLD one!

[@lupenieto1210]

It's fine work, me, I just enjoy the smell of a fine wood when I'm working it. To each his own, I happen to find working with bone rather repulsive. I do have some bone handle knives that were given to me for my collection though.

[@rogercaruthers2584]

You’re right! It does not smell good whatsoever! I read a post on a video this guy nearly died as he was cutting/sanding without a mask. That’d be terrible. I’m looking forward to working with different woods here soon.

[@christiamhaagensen3539]

@@lupenieto1210 nothing died or was killed or polluted to make an antler handle. Antlers are grown and shed by the deer,elk et.c. once year. Most wood comes at the expense of the killing a tree and your synthetics causes pollution somewhere. Your comment displays ignorance. But whatever works for you ! To each his own.

[@fouroakscrafts7240]

That is such a cool idea! I love making things from deer antler but have not made a knife handle yet. When you're pushing the antler on the tang would it be okay to use a rubber mallet to tap it in place or would that be a bad move? Just found your channel and subscribed. Thanks for sharing this idea.

[@orlandogarza162]

You can Put your rusty knife in vinegar and baking sodand baking soda to get the rust off Then wash it with soap and water

[@michaelarmbruster586]

Can also soak the horn in vinegar to soften and mold it some what..ancient plastic Can also put threads on it

[@MrMarkar1959]

👍🏼Harbor Freight

[@chuckb5012]

with a good writer and a little practice he could imitate Geo HW Bush

[@ProspectorPhil]

Are you saying I could impersonate Bush Sr.? Haha, that'd be awesome! I've got the Beavis voice down so probably not far off. :) I could do a whole segment, call it "Ramblings of an Old Man", first episode would be "Why do diapers stink?" I like it and may have to try some recordings. Thanks for the comment.

[@chuckb5012]

@@ProspectorPhil yep do did sound like 42. BTW. great video.. I never would have guessed how to get a knife to stay in an antler. C

[@lewiswereb8994]

Who the hell would want to?

[@christinenorriss9675]

So, you've effectively cooked the pith? Would'nt that start to rot eventually?

[@riffhurricane]

I have some cow horns that I had from fresh & dried out naturally. They've been sitting in the barn for a couple of years waiting for me to do something with them & haven't rotted at all. Perhaps if the knife were soaked on a regular basis you'd have problems, but then again you'd have lots of rust issues by that point anyway.

[@scottmasson3336]

I use electrolysis to remove rust.

[@chuckbowie5833]

Mind: blown.

[@bigironfist626]

Doesn't the pith inside rot over time?

[@modernnomadtechnology9252]

Antler will only rot if exposed to constant wet. Even when left out in the weather for years, the antler will still be solid, if discolored. I've worked with antler for thirty years, and it does not rot easily. I find bits of scrap that were left outside in buckets or on the ground for many, many years and they are still workable. Usually the only degradation of antler is cracking from repeated soaking and drying, and natural bleaching.

[@pattreadwell6149]

👍

[@The_real_onefs]

Thank u sir, one more thing keeping kids off computer games

[@Eskell1990]

How did it held up after 2 years? ;)

[@ProspectorPhil]

I gave the big knife to a friend. He says it's tight and as sharp as the day he got it. The little knife shown is my daily utility knife, it's been through an absurd amount of abuse and has held up wonderfully. The key with these handles seems to be getting the blade set without wiggling it at all. If there are no voids in the pith, it'll hold surprisingly well. Thanks for your comment.

[@shanestevens622]

When i was a kid someone gave me a knife and said i had to give him a penny for it as it's bad luck to receive a knife for free. Have you ever heard of that old saying?

[@Wastelander13]

@@shanestevens622 Finally someone who reminds this. Any coin makes the deal. If no coin is given it cuts the friendship. You can see this usage in the movie THE EDGE with Anthony Hopkins. Cheers!

[@delicoemaestas7370]

I would like to see how u made the finger guard on the little knife u showed

[@ProspectorPhil]

Hey, great idea for another vid! I use that little knife all the time and absolutely love it. The blade came from the kitchen section of a local thrift store (50 cents!) and the guard was hijacked off a sterling silver knife headed to the smelting pot. I'll definitely add this to my list for new videos. Thank you!

[@ProspectorPhil]

Your wish will be granted VERY SOON. I took an old butter knife, grinded it into a utility knife, added a guard, and filmed the whole process. I'll get the video uploaded soon, really appreciate your suggestion and I really like my new knife. Thanks again!

[@folkmarcmetal]

This guy is like the american AVE

[@paulwiggins183]

You're coming up short if you don't pin that blade. And you should take some of the advice in this comment section. If you do it again.

[@larryshanks5813]

nice video, but get you a camera stand..

[@ProspectorPhil]

I know... I'm working on it buddy but have a limited budget and can't even monetize my videos so I've been doing everything out of pocket for free. I tried to keep this vid stable but they'll only get better. Hope you stick around, lots more to come and eventually I'll have a better budget. Thanks bro!

[@thebrokenmonks4720]

Fuck’n cool bro, thx

[@waltbellamy9739]

what about your key board ???!! :

[@jerrythomas463]

It absolutely stinks.

[@lewiswereb8994]

Get rid of the rag. That is not a highly polished knife, and if you get a little scratch, so what. If you want to,use plywood or leather in the vise jaws.

[@ProspectorPhil]

Plywood or leather are both good ideas. Yes it's not polished but these old blades usually have a good temper and awesome edge. Here's my thinking... I had to crank the ever-loving piss out of that vice to hold the blade in place. Metal on metal *might* have left a gouge, not a scratch. I didn't want to have that in the video. But if I ever decide to remove the gouge, it's quite possible I'd have to redo the bevel and geometry of the entire blade. This vid shows how to attach an antler handle in an interesting yet durable way. What you do from there is up to you. I appreciate your comments, they expand the possibilities and ideas for those wanting to try this.

[@user-ep9fy7yw7e]

Ни хера, не понял. Но , очень интересно

[@billallen4793]

ProspectorPhil? Have you ever used rodeo rosin to help secure knife antlers or handles as a natural glue?...from Wyoming USA 🔫🤠🇺🇸p.s stay safe and healthy everybody GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY AND stop this foolishness ❤

[@jasontwynn7356]

Nice info on making knife handle, but what is up with them shoe's??? Come-on man have some respect for your self. Put on some boots,or something else, please 🙏,👍🆒🤔

[@garryk3166]

Your rustic knife requires a rustic sheath 🙂 nice job. I chuckled when you said stinks.

[@mattmarton8884]

I once boiled some antlers in my Chicago apartment while living with a vegetarian. That did not help the relationship last

[@albertdominick140]

👍