[Regia-NA] proper saex handles.

[J. Kim Siddorn]

Bill is right, our predilection for natural things (antler with the surface
cleaned up but visible, bees wax polished wood etc) is a modern fashion and
it is hard for us to get past it sometimes.

Clean off all traces of the original surface - careful, it's not *that*
thick! - and carve a period design into the surface. Follow Bill's
directions from there, he is very good at it.

Regards,

Kim Siddorn

"Non est tanti."
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tate William T Jr TSgt 352 OSS/SCSC" <william.tate@mildenhall.af.mil>
To: <list-regia-na@lig.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2002 8:31 AM
Subject: RE: [Regia-NA] proper saex handles.


> 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
-na