There’s something raw and honest about working with antler. Unlike wood or resin, it doesn’t turn predictably. It pushes back, humbles you. But when everything comes together, it’s magic.
One of my favorite pens to date came from a beautiful piece of Whitetail antler I found while hiking early one fall morning. It was just after sunrise—the air crisp, the forest quiet except for the distant rustle of deer moving deeper into the trees. I almost didn’t see the antler tucked under a thicket of dried ferns. It felt like a gift.
Back in the shop, I knew I wanted to pair this antler with the bolt-action mechanism—a design that’s a favorite among hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. The bolt not only adds rugged charm but gives the pen a unique tactile experience. The customer had chosen antique bronze components to highlight the earthy tones in the antler. Great choice.
The Turning Challenge
But antler doesn’t turn like wood. It can be dense in spots, brittle in others, and the inner marrow can surprise you if you’re not careful. Halfway through turning the body, I hit a soft spot that caused the tool to catch. For a moment, I thought the blank was ruined—chipped on the edge, slightly off balance.
Most people would toss it and start over. But I don’t walk away from material that holds memory. With a few adjustments, a little epoxy stabilization, and some creative shaping, I was able to salvage the piece—and the final result actually had more visual interest than the original shape. The curve, the markings—it told a story of nature and craft coming together.
Gifting a Legacy
A week later, the pen was finished and shipped out. The customer, Tim, emailed me later that month. He had gifted the pen to his father on his retirement day. His dad, a lifelong hunter, had always said that antlers told stories of past seasons and long mornings in the woods. The pen was more than a gift—it was a symbol of time, patience, and shared memories in a deer stand.
Tim said his dad teared up when he opened the box.
“He kept turning it over in his hands,” Tim wrote, “running his thumb over the antler like it was an old trail map. He hasn’t stopped writing in his leather-bound journal since.”
That’s why I do this. Sure, I love the smell of turned antler, the satisfying slide of a bolt-action, and the polish that catches just enough light. But the heart of this work? It’s helping people turn a meaningful material into a keepsake that lasts a lifetime.
Want Your Own?
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for a father, hunter, outdoorsman, or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship—this Whitetail Antler Bolt-Action Pen is ready for the job. I’ll even work with your own antler sheds if you’d like to make it extra personal.
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