Authentic Sambar Stag?-how to tell?

[PRKsux]

Is there any way to tell if the stag on a knife is really Sambar Stag? I know that Sambar is the most dense stag but is there any way of knowing what kind of stag it is by just visually inspecting it?
Thanks.

 

[george tichbourne]

Sambar exhibits two distinguishing characteristics, thick outer shell and bright white enamel. The related red deer is very similar but tends to be a little yellower or tan.

The best thing is to visit a maker with some stock of Sambar and other species for a quick lesson.

 

[Steve-O]

It has a thicker dense layer than others, very hard to tell on a knife. The crenulations are usually deeper, bolder, if that makes sense.

 

[Dark Nemesis]

A question if I may? I know that Cold Steel uses Sambar stag for their trailmaster. Is Sambar really that strong that it can be used on a heavy duty knife and hold up to the stresses?

 

[george tichbourne]

Stag is a very popular handle material because of the durability.