water buffalo horn

[Glen Monaghan]

Any experience and/or suggestions for engraving water buffalo horn? I've been asked to engrave a name on the side of a fire piston made from the stuff...

[John Noell]

No, but Im pretty sure it is mainly keratin. That is the same as a whale tooth (which I have engraved). It should engrave quite nicely with relatively low power. However, it will stink like burned hair!

[Skyler Bierley]

No, but Im pretty sure it is mainly keratin. That is the same as a whale tooth (which I have engraved). It should engrave quite nicely with relatively low power. However, it will stink like burned hair!

John is correct. The core of a buffalo (or bison) horn is made up of bone. However, the horn is coated with keratin (similar to what makes a human fingernail).