It’s no secret that deer antlers are highly versatile and useful for constructing a variety of different items. After drying out, antlers are stronger than bone, making them perfect to use for certain crafts and projects. Along with their attractive appearance that’s similar to hardwood, you simply can’t go wrong with deer antlers.
After browsing around our site here, you’ll probably notice just how many different items are made using deer antlers. Just a few of the many items you’ll find are chandeliers, lamps and picture frames, all of which make wonderful, rustic home decor furnishings. However, some people take the use of deer antlers to a whole different level by crafting some rather bizarre products out of them. Here we’ll take a look at 3 of the most unusual deer antler items sold on the market.
#1 – Bicycle Handlebars
Okay, these bicycle handlebars aren’t made from authentic deer antlers, but instead they are built from recycled metal. Pratt Institute student Taylor Simpson is the brains responsible for this buck on wheels accessory. He decided to build the deer antler handlebars as a project for school. Using only scrap metal and some epoxy, Simpson crafted the world’s first antler handlebars. Hopefully, he got an A because these things are pretty awesome!
As you can see in the picture to the right, they look pretty neat attached to the bike with their unusually black and spiky features. Whether you are a hunter or someone who simply appreciates nature, you have to respect the originality that went into producing these antler handlebars. My only complaint, however, is the possibility of falling off the bike and impaling yourself with the handlebar tip. I’m clumsy enough on the rare occasion I get out on my bike, so I really don’t need a sharp object hovering over my upper torso.
#2 – Crib Mobile
Another rather unusual item that’s made from deer antlers is a crib mobile (yes, the same ones that go over a sleeping baby). While they currently aren’t being mass manufactured and sold on the open market, there are some people who craft and use them for personal use. I personally know one guy who used to make them with spare sheds to give away as gifts.
When made correctly, an antler crib mobile can be safe and even somewhat calming given their appearance and sound they create after knocking together. Of course, you’ll have to remove ALL of the pointy tips from the antlers before using them. The antler crib mobiles I saw were made using pieces of deer antlers that were approximately 5-6 inches long with no pointy tips. This is a project I advise against unless you are experienced with antlers and woodworking.
#3 – Bottle Opener
Our third unusual item is a deer antler bottle opener. When you reach a “cool” status that requires more than just a regular $2 buck bottle to crack a beverage, you can reach for one of these bad boys. A deer antler bottle opener gives you a certain style and charisma that a cheap one doesn’t offer. Even if you don’t intend on using it, these neat little accessories may be wonderful collectibles and keepsakes.
If you want to get your hands on a deer antler bottle opener, you’ll have to do a little searching. Although there currently aren’t any companies manufacturing these openers, you can find them available for sale from private owners. Check out places like eBay, Craigslist and other classified ad sites. People will oftentimes use these sites to sell their unique items, such as antler bottle openers. With a little bit of luck, you can come away with one of these awesome-looking drinking accessories.
Alternatively, you can make your own antler bottle opener with a little bit of work and some basic supplies. I’m sure there are over a dozen different ways to make them, but the most basic method is to secure a stainless steel opener top into a small piece of antler. Just cut a few different pieces of deer antler to experiment with. Like any project, it’s going to take some trial and error before you find a process that works for you.
The truth is that these are just a few of the many wacky and unusual deer antler products out there. People have been using these natural animal formations to craft items with for hundreds of years, and it’s doubtful this will change anytime soon. If you happen to come across other weird antler items, post a link in the comments section below or send us an email with the details. We love to hear about all the crazy things people make antlers with!
