A custom flat horn

[DWFII]

Puffer,

I see it and I admire it. And even though I am not a re-enactor, I want one.

But I don't understand what the significance of a flat horn versus a round (?) horn would be...other than its association with Scots.

Why is it so hard to make? What kind of horn is it made of? How is it made?

[The Barry]

Congrats! That thing is beautiful.

[tyger]

I made a flat horn. It lays close to the body, and doesn't snag so much on clothing, branches/twigs, etc. I soaked the horn in water to soften it, then scraped it filed it, and dressed it with sanding paper, etc. Easy to do, and very rewarding!

[JolyStNicholas]

What a grand gift, very impressive! Lucky man!

[BEEDEE]

Great gift and a really lovely piece of work.

Brina

[puffer]

Puffer,

I see it and I admire it. And even though I am not a re-enactor, I want one.

But I don't understand what the significance of a flat horn versus a round (?) horn would be...other than its association with Scots.

Why is it so hard to make? What kind of horn is it made of? How is it made?

I. The significance ?? Let me reword your ?? to read "why" a flat horn vs a round horn.
1. As Tyger mentioned above, this style horn lays closer to your body.
a.Although a round horn that has the "proper curve" ( note, when picking a horn, you should pick 1 that has a natural curve (side ways) that conforms to your body, depending on the side you carry it (yes there are right & left hand horns. note the slight side curve on mine. It is a right hand. The amount of curve on a round horn should be even more pronounced to fit properly.) But even if the round horn is proper, because of it's "bulk" it still does not fit as close.

b. The advantage of fitting closer is:
1. When moving around it basically stays in place.
2. Hangs up LESS on gear (bag straps etc ) clothing, Brush etc.

2. Another advantage, IMHO, is that for me it is easier to use in loading.

3. There is one disadvantage. A flat Horn, normally holds LESS powder, than a round horn of the same length. ( that maybe one of the reasons, it was not as popular in America as the round style.)

II. Powder horns are made from animal horns, The most common here in Amer. were made from Steer Horns, but many were made from Bison. Mine is from a steer horn.

III. Making a flat horn.
NOTE - I am NOT a Horn Maker & the following is from info I have been given by those who are.
The basics of making a horn, whether round or Flat is similar. BUT after the basics are completed the "FUN" begins.

1. Flat Horns need to be "flattened". Each maker has their own way of doing it but it is basically the same.
a. The horn is softened & put in a press ( each maker has their own, often more than 1.) & press into shape.
b. This is multi stage process. A little at a time & depending on the inside/outside curve, care must be taken to maintain the curve.
c. Also, natural horn is not consistent & has flaws ( these most often do not show up until ?? & many a horn is ruined in the final stages. ( note, all those I know also have a large supply of small flat horns ( pistol, priming, salt horns, snuff horns etc.) made from OOPS. Here are a couple of this type. The 1st pic = primer horns Pic #2 = Pistol horn ( bison )




Tyger, I applaud the fact that you have made one & found it to be "easy"
I SINCERELY MEAN THIS.
but because of the above & the time involved,Flat Horns are considered by many to be more difficult to make than round horns

dWF II, I hope trhis helps

Puffer

[Bigkahuna]

Hey Puffer that horn is beautiful. As a fellow smokepole shooter I have to tell you, I am jelous. Wear it in good health. John

[tyger]

Yep, well, what is 'easy' is in the details, and all relative. You know what I mean. To me it was easy because I wanted to do it so bad that I didn't care about the effort.....the pleasure was in the effort, and the result.

Making do with stuff at hand usually takes way more time than instant gratification ($), but it is so satisfying. I remember my grandfather working down a big trumpet horn with a piece of Coke bottle glass. Now, that was work! Sometimes I think that I have wased a day (or more) trying to work out a process in the Forge, but you know, it is a learning process for me, as I have had no teaching to show the way. I digress... Congrats on your collection. Now, I need to dust mine off!

[tyger]

......and that story reminds me, for those who are interested in making a horn: work the horn down to thin it, then soften it, then shape it, and then let it dry slowly.

[puffer]

Yep, well, what is 'easy' is in the details, and all relative. You know what I mean. To me it was easy because I wanted to do it so bad that I didn't care about the effort.....the pleasure was in the effort, and the result.

Making do with stuff at hand usually takes way more time than instant gratification ($), but it is so satisfying. I remember my grandfather working down a big trumpet horn with a piece of Coke bottle glass. Now, that was work! Sometimes I think that I have wased a day (or more) trying to work out a process in the Forge, but you know, it is a learning process for me, as I have had no teaching to show the way. I digress... Congrats on your collection. Now, I need to dust mine off!

TYGER, you are so correct. IMHO this is what makes a CRAFTSMAN. Many can "Produce" items, but when one also puts ones "HEART" into it ....

Puffer