The buffalo bone featured here was selected for its white-to-light-ivory hue. After sanding and polishing, its smooth surface highlights the simple lines of a handle and creates a sharp contrast with a forged, satin-finished, or polished blade.

Like any natural material, the bone may exhibit slight variations in shade, structure, or porosity from one piece to another. These variations do not constitute a defect as long as they do not interfere with the construction of the handle. They simply reflect the material’s natural origin.

Its appearance makes it suitable for use on both traditional knives and more contemporary designs. It can also serve as a base for engraving, carving, or coloring, provided that appropriate tests are conducted for the specific project.

The selected buffalo bone offers a sufficiently compact and uniform structure for crafting handle blanks. It can be shaped, sanded, and polished using the tools typically employed in cutlery making. Once finished, it produces a smooth surface, ranging from a satin finish to a more pronounced gloss depending on the chosen finishing process.

How to Work with White Buffalo Bone in the Workshop

Cutting, Shaping, and Drilling

The bone can be worked with standard workshop tools, but it’s best to proceed gradually. When cutting and shaping, it’s best not to apply excessive force to the tool and to avoid prolonged heating.

Drilling must be even and controlled. Holding the piece securely and applying appropriate pressure at the drill bit’s exit point helps minimize the risk of chipping along the edges.

Sanding and Polishing

Gradual sanding removes machining marks and reveals the material’s uniform texture. As with other natural bones, excessive pressure or excessive heat can damage the surface. It is therefore advisable to work in stages and allow the piece to cool if necessary.

Polishing brings out the white-to-ivory hue and gives the handle its final texture. Before using a specific polishing paste or finishing product, it is recommended to test it on a scrap piece or an inconspicuous area.

Dust and Safety

Cutting, drilling, and sanding produce fine dust. It is important to capture the dust as close to the source as possible, avoid inhaling it, protect your eyes, and clean the work area with a vacuum. These general precautions apply to the machining of bone as well as to that of many other natural materials.