Made a New Powder Horn

[S.Kenton]

I mainly use this one, it’s smaller and more utilitarian, I scraped this whole horn and never sanded it. I used home made nails to pin and bees wax to seal it.

 

[S.Kenton]

So many different ways to make them, Ive made over 50 horns. Early on I tried to make some very fancy ones and found I enjoyed making very simple and user friendly Horns a lot more.I’ve sold most and gave a few away as gifts for family members. Enjoy the craft and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

 

[Nyckname]

The plug looks pretty well "anchored".

Where's the thread about exploding horns?

 

[Ricochet]

I finished the horn this morning. I went ahead and started a new thread to show it. Thanks for looking

 

[Ricochet]

I love the look of those scraped only horns Kenton! Yours looks awesome!

 

[S.Kenton]

I love the look of those scraped only horns Kenton! Yours looks awesome!

Thank you sir!

 

[Eutycus]

In this and other threads about horns I see the thorn of the Black Locust mentioned. I'm not at all familiar with this tree. About how big are these thorns? And do they compare with the mesquite thorn?

 

[S.Kenton]

In this and other threads about horns I see the thorn of the Black Locust mentioned. I'm not at all familiar with this tree. About how big are these thorns? And do they compare with the mesquite thorn?

They vary in size,some are around half inch long, while others are are 4 to 5 inches long. I have some locust trees near me, not sure if they are black locust... but they are of the locust family for sure. I’ve cut some thorns off and used them for powder base plugs, I’d honestly rather use toothpicks or shishakabab sticks.

 

[Zonie]

In this and other threads about horns I see the thorn of the Black Locust mentioned. I'm not at all familiar with this tree. About how big are these thorns? And do they compare with the mesquite thorn?

 

[Ricochet]

Some of them are big enough to puncture a tractor tire. More than 3 inches easy. You know it when you step on one!! I walk like I just seen a snake when Im near them in the woods!

 

[Kansas Jake]

Typically they aren’t as dense on the trees around here as the picture shown above but they are on the trunks and branches. The thorns can be an inch or two long to six inches or longer. Nasty things. The wood is hard, especially if cut and dried.

 

[Kansas Jake]

Maybe I should start harvesting the thorns and sell a dozen for $10 to horn builders.

 

[Eutycus]

Thanks! that is some nasty looking thorns. Thankfully our mesquite don't get that big. Of course they do feel "big enough"when stepped on.

 

[S.Kenton]

That’s them exactly! I had to walk through a small close growing grove of these once to retrieve a doe that I had shot... awful experience!!!!!

 

[Ricochet]

Yea, a black locust thicket will make you stop and think about things for a minute! They do make great fenceposts tho. I have built a few urns and caskets from black locust due to it's being able to hold up underground properties.

 

[Eutycus]

From what I've read about it, I'm glad this Black Locust is not grown in South Texas. It does sound sort of like our Mesquite. Which by the way is also considered an invasive species.

 

[Nameless Hunter]

In this part of TN (hill country), the locals call it a Honey Locust tree.
Odd thing is (to me anyway), when the tree becomes fully mature the thorns go away.
The bark is very hard and wood is dense; it also burns well in our wood stove.

 

[Eutycus]

It does sound alot like a mesquite, the dense wood and all. Is it any good for BBQing? Mesquite is one of, if not the Best. Also the Mesquite has a long "bean" to it. Legumes I think they're called. In fact it was the bean that helped spread this tree. Some of the freighters who used oxen and donkeys used this bean as animal feed. Does the Locust tree have "beans"?

 

[Ricochet]

Deer love the Honey locust pods when they drop!

 

[mudcreek]

Those thorns always make me think about Jesus. Can you imagine..........