Case stag question

[somniloquist]

I recently ordered a little Case pen with scissors and stag scales. I was surprised at the look of the scales when it arrived. They appear to be coated in some kind of varnish and are quite shiny. The other stag knives I own or have handled do not seem to have this same type of coating. Is this typical for all Case stag knives? Also, it looks like they might have been coloured artificially. Am I right in thinking this?

I'm pretty new to traditional-type knives so maybe some of you wiser folks can offer me your thoughts. I appreciate any help you may be able to offer.

 

[Rusty1]

If the knife was listed as Red/Blue stag then the scales were dyed. Shiny Stag scales will happen in the polishing phase of the knife. Some workers will polish only the metal parts, and others will polish the whole thing, Stag handles included. luck of the draw it seems.

Russell

 

[Will Power]

I have a CASE Mini Trapper in stag and it's one of my least favourite CASE knives. It's very shiny almost 'toffee' like in appearance, is not dark/light and grooved like my other stag scaled knives.I can only assume that CASE has an inferior cache of stag,very much so if you compare it with GEC offerings for instance.

 

[Raymond1000]

I have three Case knives with stag slabs. I like them. It’s not the best of all possible stag. Not super dark color, no popcorn. But it’s real stag, and the scales well matched. One looks polished, the other two don’t.

I only wish Case combined real stag with CV steel