[Regia-NA] proper saex handles.

[Tate William T Jr TSgt 352 OSS/SCSC]

Chris,

A number of persons leave the outside of the antler on, the grain provides
good grip.  I have a nagging pull at memory though, that says that this
isn't quite accurate and the trend in our time period was to remove the
outer layer.  But I do bone, antler, horn carving, and almost any cutting
tool can be used to carve designs...depends on doing it in a period setting,
or at home.  At home you can used a Dremel for quick results.  Remember to
always use a dust mask and eye protection.  If you are carving on-site, most
any cutting tool can be used for the job (check the Mastermyr find for some
tool examples).  My favorite tools are actually just a small seax and an
flat-bladed awl.  I also have a set of wood-carving tools that work well.
Rasps and files can be used for smoothing, although I find running a
knife-blade across the surface works just as well.  Something I have seen
done during a show performed by a Superficially Similar Society, was the use
of a piece of flaked flint to smooth surfaces.  I haven't actually tried
that, but will experiment with it shortly.  If you are going to use hand
tools in a period setting, I would recommend a leather palm covering...mine
has saved me innumerable times from cuts!

Bill/Leifr

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Knight [mailto:knight1066@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2002 6:08 AM
To: list-regia-na@lig.net
Subject: [Regia-NA] proper saex handles.


   Hello everyone.
                 Since the list is quiet I guess I'll throw one out.

  I have pieces of antler already cut down to handle sizes and was wondering

if a proper saex handle would be filed down smooth or keep the the textured 
antler surface. also if filed down what would I use to etch a design on the 
handle?

                                        the guy likes antler.
                                          Chris Knight

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