I just got done emailing with a nice gentleman from MI. who turns down wooden reel seats and hosels, and also turns down reel
seats from antlers (unk if deer or elk). I am interested in ordering a
few but was wondering if anyone else has used this material? Was
there a big weight difference? How did the antler hold up? Any and all feedback from experience would be appreciated. I am thinking of using them for heavy fly rods and spin rods (freshwater)
Thanks,
Buzz

They are not very heavy, particularly if you give them a generous bore size. I have worked with woods that are much more heavy. They hold up quite well and can be buffed and polished to a nice shine if you so choose.

If you do not have a supply of your own, check with any of the knife making supply houses. They usually have a wide variety of antler types.

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Another material of interest for reel seats is Oosik (sp?). I saw some neat seat made out of this at the Rodcrafter's National. Since I was a Freshman I am not sure if I was getting my leg pulled, but I was told is it fossilized walrus penil bone. If I am wrong I'd like to be corrected, but that is what I was told.

Billy

Billy-Why would anyone want to pull your leg? You are correct; that's what it is.

Hugh

Hmmmm - I wonder?!?!? I would just hate to post what it is as if i know what I'm talking about.

Pulling my leg - 17 years old, 1st day as a stockboy for my neighbors bagel shop. I was sent to 4 different gas stations to get a bucket of steam so that they can steam clean the rug in the office. Is that a good enough reason to be leery as a Freshman??? LOL.

Other things to be leery of: left-handed monkey wrenches. a 1 quart can of elbow grease, etc.

Billy

working as a bike mechanic,I once told a guy he couldn't figure out how to adjust his gears because he didn't have a left handed screw driver! My concern with the antlers would only be storing it, I read somewhere that out in the woods, all kinds of mice and bugs and other little beasties will reduce a dropped antler to dust in a matter of weeks! so you better store it where they can't get at it, or put some kind of finish on it that isn't very tasty. I am not kidding about this one.

Check out this site. They have just about every type antler. Went there in September.
It is an interesting place.
Moscow Hide & fur
Moscow, Idaho
www.hideandfur.com/

Billy,

You are almost 100% correct. Oosik is walrus penile bone, but like Stag and other horn materials, it is not fossilized (rock hard). Mastodon, on the other hand, is fossilized and if you get a really good piece, you will get blues, greens and other colors and shades. These natural materials need to be sealed against humidity and will shrink and expand along with the humidity levels. So make allowances for this.