Buffalo Horn Fore End (Pics)

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04 November 2003, 11:47

Scrollcutter

Buffalo Horn Fore End (Pics)

Here are some photos of Buffalo horn. I installed this fore end tip 10+ years ago. I do admit that it hasn't seen any use, but it hasn't shrunk or cracked either.

This fore end tip is installed on a reproduction Alexander Henry muzzleloader. The fore end tip is fluted to follow the contour of the ramrod.

The fore end tip isn't a solid block of horn glued on with a wooden dowel for reinforcement. The stock has a tenon filed onto the end. Then a mortise is made into the horn and it is fit and glued to the tenon on the stock. Then shaped.

[ 11-07-2003, 03:46: Message edited by: Scrollcutter ]

04 November 2003, 12:33

TC1

Very Nice

You do some beautiful work. I'm saving my pennies [Big Grin]

Terry

05 November 2003, 05:30

Dago Red

What tools do you use to to the mortise and tenon? I would think that makes it not only more firmly attached but prevents any rotational misalignment, as might happen with a dowel?

what is your source for buffalo horn? I know it is also used for knife handles and pipe stems/ferrules.

Red

07 November 2003, 12:44

Scrollcutter

Red

It was all done with chisels, scrapers and files.

Check the knife maker supply houses for the horn.

08 November 2003, 05:36

Canuck

Very beautiful. Good work.

This might be a silly question, but is it bison horn, or cape buffalo horn?

Canuck

08 November 2003, 07:10

Brent

quote:
Originally posted by Canuck:
Very beautiful. Good work.

This might be a silly question, but is it bison horn, or cape buffalo horn?

Canuck

Canuck, I believe all, or almost all, horn used in guns and knives is water buffalo horn. Bison horn is not very conducive to this sort of application as far as I can tell. But they make fine powder horns with some work. I have never heard of cape buffalo horn being used for anything but perhaps it works well?

Brent

08 November 2003, 10:42

Scrollcutter

Brent is correct. It is water buffalo horn.

14 November 2003, 15:25

<Pfeifer>

Once again...Nice work Roger! I've heard the same about using a mortise and tenon with horn tips. How deep do you make the mortise into the horn? Is there a specific part of the horn that lends itself better to this application?
Jeff P