Pipes from antlers?

[Boss Cooker]

I was given a box of deer antlers. I saw a nice carved pipe made from one. And thought I would craft a few. But, I was told they need to be boiled in order to be safe to use after carving. I am aware of the danger from the dust and have that figured out. I have been unable to find any other information using google. Does any one here have some ideas or links to share? Many thanks.

[hunter63]

I don't know why boiling them would be of any use, but they stink to high heaven when burned, like burning hair.
Knife handles are a better choice IMO.

[Boss Cooker]

Thank you, I still would like to try a pipe. The one I was shown was in use and I didn't ask the owner how it was made. I do know that it came from an Indian event in N.Y. state. Knife handles would be a challenge for me as I don't know the first thing about making a knife. I will keep looking. By the way, the antlers are somewhat aged. Maybe a fresh antler would stink more then an aged antler?

[OkieDavid]

I would think that the antler would stink also or at least impart an undesireable flavor. You might just try a miniature version from a decent sized tine. Use something like a 5/16" drill bit for the stem and a 3/8" for the bowl....try a simple prototype out first before you go to the effort of carving. I have seen a very old pipe made from ivory but not from antler.
P.S. Let us know how it turns out.
David

[hunter63]

My experience with antler is that it stinks like burning hair, (which it really is a hard version of) no matter if new, old, boiled etc.
Just try sawing it, or drilling it and DW will kick you out of the house.(mine did)
Have used it for knife/awl handles, buttons, etc.

Your probably thinking about "Meerschaum' or ivory.

Or it could be that a someone made one for looks, but never intended to use it (at least themselves).

If you have enough bigger ones, you can make a lamp stand, coat hanger, even a "salad set", ( had one set the was straight, long, w/fork on one side and a "spoon" on the other) looked cool, but never really "used it".

[Old Vet]

There are many ways to smoke tobaco. Deer anterliers are not a way that many people have tried. The reason is the smell. If it ware good for a pipe there would many pipe made from them.

[bgak47]

Originally Posted by hunter63

My experience with antler is that it stinks like burning hair, (which it really is a hard version of) no matter if new, old, boiled etc.
Just try sawing it, or drilling it and DW will kick you out of the house.(mine did)
Have used it for knife/awl handles, buttons, etc.

Your probably thinking about "Meerschaum' or ivory.

Or it could be that a someone made one for looks, but never intended to use it (at least themselves).

If you have enough bigger ones, you can make a lamp stand, coat hanger, even a "salad set", ( had one set the was straight, long, w/fork on one side and a "spoon" on the other) looked cool, but never really "used it".

Ivory doesn't really make a good pipe either. Antlers,horns, & tusks are all basically the same substance as hair & fingernails. Not really suitable for pipes because they stink when scorched or burned & they taste bad.