How to Cut Antler Horns for Knife Handles

Pieces of antlers make a comfortable and durable knife handle when cut to the correct length. The finished length of the antler varies depending on the length and width of the knife blade. Using the correct tool to cut the antler ensures the antler surrounding the cut does not weaken from hairline cracks or splinter -- ruining the finish of the handle. The density and hardness of antler closely resembles hard varieties of wood such as oak, cherry and maple. This similarity allows a common hand-cutting tool to cut through antler without damage.

Leather strap, 1-inch wide
Vise
Pencil
Hacksaw

Instructions

- 1
  Wrap the leather strap around a piece of antler. Allow both loose ends of the strap to extend 2 to 3 inches below the antler.
- 2
  Place the ends of the leather strap in the jaws of a vise. Close the vise until the jaw opening is 1/4 inch smaller than the diameter of the antler. Push the antler toward the vise as you tighten the vise. Tighten the vise until the leather strap tightly holds the antler in place.
- 3
  Place a pencil mark on top of the antler at the location of each cut.
- 4
  Set the blade of a hacksaw on one of the pencil marks with the saw handle next to the antler. Pull the hacksaw toward you to start the cut. Push and pull the saw using minimal downward pressure until the blade cuts through the antler. Cut the antler at the second mark using the same method.
- 5
  Remove the antler from the vise. Remove the leather strap from the antler.

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