Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TolkienFan on July 21, 2015, 02:55:30 pm

Title: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: TolkienFan on July 21, 2015, 02:55:30 pm

I am a few months into this and just getting all my tools together and harvesting wood, so I don't have anything worth value to trade. Where do most of you get horn for tips if you don't hunt?

Also, any advice/info on diff types of horn would be helpful.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: Aaron H on July 21, 2015, 03:05:27 pm

I have gotten buffalo horn from the big auction site, look up buffalo horn knife scales.  They are like $8 for a set that measures 1/2" x 2" x 4".  You should be able to get at least 4 sets of overlays from them.

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: Ed Brooks on July 21, 2015, 03:09:08 pm

TolkienFan; I hunt, find and trade for horn and antler, or my dog brings them home. If you are looking for antler for doing a bow or two, I can send you enough for that. just PM me your address. Welcome to the addiction. Ed

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: TolkienFan on July 21, 2015, 04:11:57 pm

Thanks Falcon! That pulled up the right thing on the searches. 

Ed, that is ridiculously generous! PM sent.

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: wapiti1997 on July 21, 2015, 07:21:39 pm

Get to know your local butcher/deer processor, they custom kill beef, bison, goats and process deer, sometimes deer hunters don't want the antlers.. the get tossed...

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: Dakota Kid on July 21, 2015, 08:07:38 pm

Depending on your state's regulations roadkill might be another option as well. You can use bone as well as antler. They sell cow femurs at some pet stores. I think bone polishes much better than antler and it doesn't smell as bad if the dremel bit gets too hot.

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: bowmo on July 21, 2015, 08:22:20 pm

Petco in the dog chewtoys section

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: Pat B on July 21, 2015, 08:23:04 pm

You  can buy antler, horn or bone from Pet Smart and similar outlets. Also hardwoods works well too as does heavy leather saturated with super glue.
Actually, tip overlays are not necessary. Only woods like yew, ERC(Eastern Cedar) or juniper really need them because of their softness.
Aesthetically speaking, I like the looks of tip overlays on bows.

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: DC on July 21, 2015, 08:56:35 pm

This is a cow chew hoof from the pet store. To get a little thickness I cut at the join between the side and the bottom. You have to root through them to get the nice color.

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: JohnL on July 22, 2015, 01:01:41 am

     The big pet supply store chains typically have a good selection of horn and antler.  The antler tines can be a bit pricey, but I recently found a nice, thick-walled spiral of water buffalo horn for $15.99, that'll yield many pair of tip overlays.

–John

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: Ed Brooks on July 22, 2015, 10:36:23 am

TolkienFan; they are in the mail. Ed

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: wildwills on July 22, 2015, 11:12:32 am

Yep, Petsmart has buffalo horn and antler chews.  I've even use elk bone chews after soaking in water and hydrogen peroxide.

Title: Re: Where to get horn for tips?
Post by: TolkienFan on July 22, 2015, 04:35:55 pm

Thanks for all the helpful replies! Would have never thought of pet stores...PetsMart here I come!