Working on Musk Ox horn

[tryppyr]

Today I received a very nice section of musk ox horn from Miles of Alaska. When I got it I noticed that the bottom section has some pattern inside the horn, and I wanted to do an experiment to reveal it. I broke out the 4 x 36 sander and rounded the butt of the piece with a focus on exposing the pattern. After that I sanded it to 320 grit and rubbed it a bit with my hand. Here's the result:

My question is how does one normally finish a piece of musk ox horn like this? Should I sand off all the outer skin and reveal the smooth tan interior or leave the skin on? How should I sand and polish the exposed bits for maximum eye appeal?

Bear in mind I have some other more burly musk ox horn pieces I'm putting on the Alabama Damascus dagger, and I'd like to know how to finish those too.

Thanks,

- Greg

 

[Bill DeShivs]

To bright polish it, sand to at least 400 grit, buff with 0000 steel wool, and polish on a muslin wheel with green compound. If you are using a 3400 RPM buffer, use a VERY light touch or you'll burn or "run" the horn. Using bark or removing it is up to you.

 

[tryppyr]

Thanks Bill.

 

[Hengelo_77]

That's beautifull stuff!

 

[A C Richards]

Greg, there is a lot of figure under that outer layer. That horn looks small in comparison though so I do not know how much you have to work with. Check out some of Bill Burke's work. You can see the fine wavy figure and it needs to be polished out to a nice high luster.

 

[oivind_dahle]

I love Musk Ox horn.
But you got to keep in mind to get it from a legal source. The musk ox is really something special.
Here is 2 examples, one western handle from Burke and one Octagon wa handle from Devin

Bill Burke 300 Suji Dragon Breath

Devin Thomas 200 Bubblewrap Guyto:

A lot uses the musk ox as ferrules as seen on this Carter :

Remember to "stabilze" the horn along the way as you work on it. Bill Burke is one of the best regarding musk ox handles imo
Good luck