Alan Evans

Far be it from me to write something germane to the thread…horns and blacksmithing…but on the old double acting Alldays bellows it is traditional to stick a cow horn on the end of the pump handle because it was reckoned to be kinder on the hand anthropometrically...smoother and lower friction to prevent blisters. It is also more ergonomic in that with the curve pointed up, the wrist could remain straight and give a direct pull down all the way through the arc of the handle movement.

In my experience of using those big old bellows however it was not the hand that suffered but the tummy muscles, I ached for days. Fractional horse power fans for me every time thereafter! 

The other use I seem to remember is in the secret recipe for the case hardening box...

Alan

P.S. just remembered another use which I have always intended to try….making a windshield for an oil or candle lamp. I was told the name lantern comes from lamp - horn. The horn is softened (by boiling?) and a thin layer peeled away and flattened which allowed the light through and prevented the flame being blown out.

Useful dowry. Less maintenance than three camels as well.

Alan

You say that now...

Though I suppose as you do live in the froezen north you would have come across them once or twice...

Alan

​Are you wanting to know how well that particular froe does its job? 

Or are you asking how one uses froes in general?

Alan