Cow Horn for burnishing?

[Lil Doodler]

I was wondering if anybody here uses cow horns for smoothing out/burnishing leather edges?

They seem to work well for burnishing for me. I use the wide part of the horn for longer areas. Smooths out the edge without too much effort. The pointy end is very convenient for inside curves, even tight ones.

Is there a downside to using one of these?

Thanks

Edited October 21, 2024 by Lil Doodler

[Meelis]

Horns and bones are very good such kind jobs

[DieselTech]

Should work good. Also deer & elk antler works for burnishing & folding/creasing.

[fredk]

I'v not used cow horn as I can't get it any more, but I've used it for drinking horns. I got mine from a farm and I'd say, make sure its not got anything in the centre and its smooth on the outside. They can be quite rough with hair on the outside and the insides tend to stink after a while

But if you buy one from a commercial seller all that is done

I use small deer antler points for folders and smoothers, as well as piece of sheep's rib I found over 50 years ago  

It all works

Now I must go look on ebay for a cow horn 

[Lil Doodler]

Thanks for the feedback!

The cow horn I have was "sanded"

No hair inside or out. No stink lol

The cow horn seemed to work better than a bone folder that is glossy/glass smooth

After hearing from y'all, I'm tempted to buy and try a rougher surface (unsanded) elk or deer horn