Cleaning bear claws.

[saylean]

Im making my GF's boy a bear claw necklace for christmas...should be cool...what 4 year old wouldnt want one!

[@RCHER]

Good post...also, keep in mind, bleach (borax) will damage the bone. If you follow the tips mentioned earlier for removing the claw sheath from the claw bone, then just boil the bones in water with dish or dishwasher soap until the meat is gone. This will degrease and deflesh the bone. Now, just add some 40 volume peroxide to the water and in just a few minutes, those bones will be bright white and won't continue to oxidize and get chalky. It's how many folks do skulls as well.

I use them to make Native American artwork like necklaces, spears, cerimonial staffs, etc...

~ Best

[bearslayer]

We turn our claws into hat bands for our Filson Packer hats.They seem to go over big when your back in high camp and other hunters come in.

[billythekidrock]

Finally cleaned the claws from last years "Sleeping Bear" and my wifes spring bear from this year. Thought I would add a couple pictures to this old thread.

[littletoes]

Awesome when folks give pictures! Thanks All that do, sure makes it easier for my "minds eye".

I think of it like skinning an orange, kinda.

[180-GRAIN]

Heres a dumb question where do I find the borax at? Local hardware store or what?

[saylean]

safeway has it too i believe...just a common household cleaner

[billythekidrock]

Heres a dumb question where do I find the borax at? Local hardware store or what?

safeway has it too i believe...just a common household cleaner

Yes, you can find it in the laundry detergent aisle.

[D_Dubya]

Remove the bone/quick from inside the claw - it is easy to do and will keep them from stinking/rotting.  Just a couple minutes in boiling or near boiling water will make them easy to pull out with pliers.

[scottL]

This is GREAT! Thanks gang and thanks for the pics - I've been wondering how to do this for many years!

[inkfish86]

great info thanks!

[rhc2000]

lol if i did that i get hung

[seth30]

can boiling water or any chemical split the claws? 

[bugs n bones]

The easiest way to clean bear claws is dermisted beatles.....its effortless and nothing cleans bones more quickly and effectively without degrading the bone than beatles

[Seabass]

After cleaning I drill a hole in the bone and put them on rawhide as a necklace. I used to have a group of guy's from out of state come over and hunt with me every year. The second year they came I gave each of them a necklace....big hit. I gave one to each of my son's last year at Christmas. One of them has not taken it off since.

I still have a few of them and have given them to variuos hunting partner's over the years. Every time I hand one out it is received with great joy!