Antler handles on leather mugs

[BBL]

Hey guys...

Anyone have any experience, insight or suggestions on how to properly attach a deer antler handle to a leather mug?

I've had a ton of antler on hand for years and I'm tired of leather mug handles. Want something new.

I'm having issues coming up with a good, solid, functional way to do this. Any suggestions are appreciated... thank you!

[maxdaddy]

Well, it all depends on your definitions of 'good' and 'solid'. I've made several mugs using antler handles and after some early experimentation I came up with the following….

Antler choice: First of all, the antler piece has to be 'right' for the job. I've made some with antler pieces that were just so-so, because I don't have a large selection to choose from, and the end result is never satisfying. You should also consider the safety aspect of it and not make a handle that has upward-facing points. It would be easy to poke yourself in the eye if you're lifting a pointed handle to your face while consuming large quantities of beer and not paying close attention.   Also, the nature of antler curvature lends itself to some mugs being 'left-handed' and some 'right-handed'.

Construction: Instead of attaching the antler directly to the mug, I attach it to a patch, that is then attached to the mug. I didn't want the body of the mug being directly connected to the handle and the patch provides a bit of strain relief, or shock absorption, if you will. I've made the connecting patch out of hardwood and even glued several pieces of skirting together to about 3/4 inch thickness.  The typical patch material that I use, however, is thick leather, like 12-14oz.

If wood or a laminated-leather patch is used, you'll need to contour the attaching face of it to fit the shape of the mug since it won’t bend like a flat leather patch will.

Attaching the antler to the patch requires that stitching holes be drilled in the antler and then matching holes be punched in the patch. The face of the antler has to be shaped to the contour of the mug for solid contact.

Once the holes are drilled in the antler and the patch, you stitch the antler to the patch, and then stitch the patch/antler assembly to the mug. That one sentence will likely involve a lot of broken stitching needles and frustration.

Attached are some mugs I made a few years ago, along a few pictures of the process. I haven't made an antler mug in about three years because I don't have an antler source. I'd be willing to buy some of yours if you're willing to part with them and if the price is right.    

Welcome to the forum, and be sure to post some pictures of your handiwork. 

Stitching holes and contoured attaching face.

 

Stained:

This is the first antler mug I made. Note that the antler is stitched to the thick leather patch which is then stitched to the mug.

Second antler mug, pre sealing. This one has a thick leather patch also.

Third antler mug. THis was a left-handed mug due to the antler characteristics. Note the laminated leather patch.

This was the fourth antler mug that I made. It's got a laminated patch too and I had to cut away some of the antler material because of some damage. I stuck a concho and a hanger hook in the space. 

THis is the fifth antler mug and is a right-handed mug based on the antler curvature. 

 

Edited October 17, 2019 by maxdaddy

[battlemunky]

Those are quite badass @maxdaddy.

[BBL]

Maxdaddy...

First, thank you for your in depth explanation and pictures. I have been having issues with antler attachment. I went with hole drilling and lacing directly to the mug, after small drum and belt sanding the attachment points on the antler itself... made for a very nice, solid attachment... and congruent with my mug style... I use alot of lace as I thoroughly enjoy the look.

After sealing, the result is ideal for me.

As I am using white tail deer antler, i have alot of points and curvature to consider.

I prefer to use several "branches" per handle that somewhat wrap the mug... with as few cuts as possible.

I will post a few pictures when I am satisfied.

I tried running a longer antler branch through the entire mug and out the other side to give the appearance of the antler stabbing the mug... it's not ideal, I know. But as a decorative piece, it's very nice lol.

Again thank you for your assistance!

Your mugs are beautiful and very nicely done! The hammered look is excellent!

I like doing the beat up look as well!

[BBL]

On 10/16/2019 at 9:18 PM, maxdaddy said:

I don't have an antler source. I'd be willing to buy some of yours if you're willing to part with them and if the price is right.

Well I do have quite a bit of deer antler currently and my father (retired) works at the Alpine Creek Lodge up in Alaska, off the Denali Highway. He lives there for 6 months of the year and does maintennance and "nuisance hunting" for the lodge... so he will come home with racks of caribou, elk, moose antlers... as well as Martin, beaver, fox, etc... and the occasional full wolf or bear pelt! Yes I'm fairly lucky in that aspect... the ones that dont get sold.

He is headed home in 1 week for a brief period and is bringing alot of antler back. Contact me and yes, I will definitely come off of some antler for you!

A good amount of The deer I get is given to me by a few hunter friends... so I have a good steady supply.

Email is jeffdyrland31@gmail.com.

[kiwican]

Those are cool looking. Can you drink out of those ?

[chuck123wapati]

Those are sweet looking all right!!!  I use a lot of antler for knives and such, when I need to attach something to them I gouge out all the soft insides and glue hardwood plugs inside then I can use screws to attach them or attach things to them.

[BBL]

I considered doing something to that effect but was unsure if it would work or not... 

Thank You! Now I know it does in fact work 

[maxdaddy]

2 hours ago, kiwican said:

Those are cool looking. Can you drink out of those ?

Thanks... and absolutely! The pictures above were taken prior to the mugs being sealed with beeswax. I apply a pretty thick coating of beeswax which makes them completely water, and beer, tight.

 

[kiwican]

Nice! And that's a thick coat of wax