Who's a packrat? me, that's who. For about 8 years I've had a piece of antler stored under my bed because I figured that eventually I would find a use for it. Last week I received a Deschutes Brewery bottle opener from my buddy, and this morning I decided that "Today is the day"!

Oh Deer!

This piece of antler had previously been used to make a button for a rabbit sporran, but that is a tale for another time.

With my handy dandy generic rotary tool and a cutting wheel, the end of the antler was removed and I was ready to get on with the project.

De Shortened Dechutes Opener

De bottom of de opener was removed so it would fit a bit better in de antler handler. Thanks Dechutes!

I had forgotten how hot metal gets when being cut. Fortunately I have some crappy pliers that held de opener while I was cutting.

Speaking of forgetting...

Ready for the opener

After about 20 minutes of grinding, carving, and shaping the antler, I was ready to add the opener.

If you have never used a grinding wheel to cut antler, I highly suggest trying it because the stink is something everyone should experience. For the most part, the stench is reminiscent of concentrated burning hair. Yum! How did I forget that smell?

Epoxy

A bit of epoxy was applied to the opener, which was then placed in the antler. A few pieces of masking tape were used to keep the epoxy from running out and getting all over the place.

Success!

A quick jaunt to the store... and I was the proud owner of a sixer of Anchor Steam and a lotto ticket.

Yea, that's my dinner: Ramen with broccoli, carrot, and tapatío; and an Anchor Steam.

Let me tell you about antler dust. That stinky crap gets everywhere, and if you happen to have a significant amount of facial hair, expect to collect a lot of stink on your face. blech!

As a wonderful sidenote: I can use this as a sgian-dubh when traveling by airplane. Double win!