How do I fix a hairline crack in a Antler handle

Hairline cracks add character...

I suppose you could fill the crack with superglue...
 
Superglue will do it. Get the thin kind, not the gel. Put the tip of the dispenser at one end of the crack and squeeze very slowly. The superglue will wick right into the crack. Add glue until it won't take any more, or until it starts to run out somewhere. Clean up any excess before it hardens with acetone, or fingernail polish remover. After it sets up for a few hours, you might have to do it again, but eventually the crack will fill. This is a common problem with antler, horn, and chandan wood. Natural materials move with humidity changes. Should be fine after it is glued.

Enjoy your JKM!

Steve
 
The superglue will seep into the antler voids - a good thing.

Just buy off-the-shelf stuff....works great.

Probably will require 3-5 "coats" on that area.

Once it's hardened, you can cut off the excess with an exacto knife and then sand it down with 400 grit paper. Follow with a varnish type finish.
 
Something that works will to avoid glue buildup on areas where you don't want it, is to coat that area with petroleum jelly (Vaseline or such) before you glue. Being careful not to get it onto surfaces that you want to stick, of course.

Dried glue pops right off with a fingernail.
 
Aardvark said:
Something that works will to avoid glue buildup on areas where you don't want it, is to coat that area with petroleum jelly (Vaseline or such) before you glue. Being careful not to get it onto surfaces that you want to stick, of course.

Dried glue pops right off with a fingernail.
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Dawgone Aardvark, that's a great tip. The day is not wasted. I learned something. :)

Steve
 
Learned it from a Scandinavian knifemaker's website. (don't ask which one, though).

Obviously, you don't want to use it where the application of the Vaseline will cause problems, such as untreated wood.
 
Aardvark said:
Obviously, you don't want to use it where the application of the Vaseline will cause problems.
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Yea, any petroleum jelly will cause rubber products too break down and then break at the most inappropriate times.:eek: :p ;) :D :( ;)
 
Yvsa said:
Yea, any petroleum jelly will cause rubber products too break down and then break at the most inappropriate times.:eek: :p ;) :D :( ;)
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Wait, there aren't any rubber products on a khukuri... :eek: :D ;)
 
Josh Feltman said:
Wait, there aren't any rubber products on a khukuri... :eek: :D ;)
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I thought that was what that little pouch was for on some models.;) :D
 
The olive oil soak works great on deer and elk antler. See post earlier this week :D
Gives it a nice "antique" look with a hint of color, like an old knife acquires with age. Mineral oil is another favorite around here. :confused: As is Watco Danish Oil wood finish. Take yer pick, pal, they all seem to do the same thing differently. Basically, you want penetration, so whatever you use should soak in - rather than just glop the surface like polyurethane varnish.
 
Except...mineral oil doesn't soak into garages or cats...
 
Nasty said:
Except...mineral oil doesn't soak into garages or cats...
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Uwinv? Has your cats or garage floor rusted or do they have any cracks where the erl er, oil, was spilt?
No?
Works then don't it? ;) :D
 
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