Dall sheep horn bow.

[SixRabbit]

Nice! I have a pair of dall sheep horns. I want to make a bow. Should I shave the horns down before straightening? Or can I just cut the back off, then boil and straighten and shave and file it down then?

[loefflerchuck]

Reduce it a bit first. Don't boil the horn for more than 10 min. Although keratin does not break down into a glue when cooked it will make the horn brittle if boiled too long. Thinner horn will straiten easier.

[SixRabbit]

Okay, that's what I was planning to do, reduce it so it is consistent, then bring it to final size after it is straightened. Is it possible to work out any twists by heat treating and then bending it? Saw a Korean guy do this with one of their horn bows. Thanks

[SixRabbit]

I got the back cut off the horns, but the inside is still rather thick. About 1/2 inch. Should I thin it more before I boil it?

[loefflerchuck]

Rasp off any flaws to get to the perfect horn. 1/2" is not too thick. That should flatten. Then reduce it to close to the bow size and it will be easy to shape

[Del the cat]

Yup, like what everyone has already said.
Exemplary work. Great to see the detail of the splice, thanks for posting.
Del