Alas - My Last Set of Amber Stag

[TK Steingass]

This is the last set of amber stag scales I was lucky enough to talk a nice fellow knife maker out of parting with - it was a good run.



It has shown up on a Loveless style New Orleans Special or, 3/4 boot knife as some call it. Mirror finished CPM-154 - red liners. All comments welcome.

TK

 

[Kohai999]

Any stag you purchase from Culpepper can be amber dyed by them, free of charge.

Have a couple sets that I got lucky with. S.R. Johnson was picking through a pile looking for Big Bear material, and I selected some of his rejects and had them dyed.

One set has been put on a knife, and the maker was quite enthusiastic about the quality.

It's important to let them sit for a couple years to avoid shrinkage.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[TK Steingass]

Any stag you purchase from Culpepper can be amber dyed by them, free of charge.

Have a couple sets that I got lucky with. S.R. Johnson was picking through a pile looking for Big Bear material, and I selected some of his rejects and had them dyed.

One set has been put on a knife, and the maker was quite enthusiastic about the quality.

It's important to let them sit for a couple years to avoid shrinkage.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

I wasn't aware of this - thanks STeven

 

[Scott Hanson]

Very nice job on the Knife TK, top notch as usual, too bad about the stag I'm sure you'll find more. I didn't know that about the letting the stag sit for a couple of years after having it dyed to avoid shrinkage either. Thanks for sharing that Steven.

 

[Kohai999]

I wasn't aware of this - thanks STeven

Sure thing, TK.

I like the knife, the grinds are very pleasing. Loveless often did substantially thinner guard quillions as did George Herron. It's something to explore when you feel like it. Tang taper is superb, many makers don't go that thin, and I commend you on taking the risk!

The reason the "amberized" stag is better sitting for a while is that the dying process is quite the shock to the material. It leaches out of the pores when fresh, and seems to become stable with time.

It's nice to be able to select the material based upon pith, density, bark and texture when "natural" and the dye process only seems to provide positive benefits to the overall experience for both maker and collector.

In 20 years of dealing with Culpepper have nothing bad to say about them.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[TK Steingass]

Appreciate the feedback Steven - I agree with you on the guard quillions......they look a little robust (like my waistline). I'll look into this modification.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Excellent, I believe this to be your finest New Orleans Special to date.
Your blade profile looks just right. This model seems to have become a good seller for you.

 

[billf]

Beautiful job Tim :thumbup:


Bill

 

[TK Steingass]

Excellent, I believe this to be your finest New Orleans Special to date.
Your blade profile looks just right. This model seems to have become a good seller for you.

Thanks for the feedback Kevin - yes this is a good seller.....my best Loveless sellers are the dropped hunter, chute, this one and Little Bear. Loveless style knives are fun to build on occasion but they're not my main fodder. Ah hell, they're ALL fun to build. I love being retired......it makes me very happy.

 

[john april]

that photo looks too young to be retired another great knife ! i am glad you found a source for more amber stag.