How to make an antler handle knife?

Question

i heard that if you soak the antler in rain water for a month it will softy the pithy core and you would be able to just stick the knife tang in and let it dry. and i was wondering if there was a quicker way like boiling the antler in water for a while......any ideas?

Answer 1

Here is a good method without going through the rain water method.  However, I think you would be much more pleased if you did the rainwater method.  It makes for a much nicer knife and you can tell the difference.

Good luck and have fun.  Great project!!

Answer 2

I've always used epoxy, but if you want to go more colonial use pewter or lead.