I also think antler more durable and easier to make buttons from. I had a friend give me a decent eight point rack. I use 1/32 to a 1/16 bit to drill holes for the thread. I set a homemade fence on the table plate of a band saw using the thinist, finest toothed blade I can use. This helps keep thicknesses even. I slice off the buttons and keep them in order. I put 4, 5, or 6 buttons to a threaded set. I use what I need and when I rondy I go to the clothiers and sell on the blanket. Sets of same size sell easier than having them picked through. You need to check local law about animal parts etc. You can also tint (dye) buttons and/or tell those who buy them. I only have 6 whole racks out of my 31, plus many given to me, that I haven't sliced up and used for buttons, handle and other uses.