Horn buttons can be made from horns, and also, historically, hooves which are the same material. The non-bony part of the hoof or horn can be softened by heating to a temperature over the boiling point of water, then moulded in metal dies, or the hollow lower section of the horn can be sliced spirally lengthwise and flattened in a vise between the wood boards after heating. After that, cut round or other shaped blanks with a hole saw or the same tool, which are then finished on a lathe or by hand.