GEC Burnt Stag / Genuine Stag

[Railsplitter]

I don't have any Stag handled GEC knives yet but I want to get one soon.

I have never really been able to tell the difference between Burnt Stag and Genuine Stag but I know there is a difference.

Which one is the real knarly looking stuff that GEC is so well known for?

Which one do you folks like the best?

If anyone has both, I would love to see a side by side comparison pic of the two.

Thanks.

 

[VCM3]

Rick,the genuine stag will always have no shield on the knife
-Vince

 

[DennisStrickland]

sometimes even with no shield on the knife the stag is selected for personality & has no coloration added. i posted 32 stags a month or so back most are burnt stag with some genuine stag. this was in the traddy section by dennis strickland. research it if interested since i believe its a very good sample of great easten.--dennis

 

[Railsplitter]

Thanks guys.

I'll look up your post Dennis.

 

[Rick]

Both genuine and burnt stag from GEC are going to be very hit and miss. I've seen some great looking gnarly burnt stag and some expensive genuine stuff that looked like an old potato, so you have to take it on a case by case basis.

That said, I generally stay away from the burnt variety, with the exception their red stuff, which I think is quite beautiful for burnt and dyed stag. Unless it's very nicely textured, it can occasionally end up looking like the bottom an ashtray, as some of it probably spent a little too much time under the torch. The good news is that the color mellows nicely with lots of pocket time.

Burnt stag before use - it looks...charred, which it is:

After a year-plus of regular use:

My advise is, don't buy a stag handled knife without seeing clear photos of both sides, and preferably an edge-on shot, as well, to avoid uneven or overly thick scales.

 

[Railsplitter]

Thanks for the advice and pics Rick.

The Burnt Stag in your photo did indeed mellow out a bit. Looks great both ways actually.

When I get a Stag GEC I will definately buy from a dealer that supplies pics of each side. Your edge-on advice is something I may not have thought of.

Good looking Sleeveboard!


Dennis,
I found your post and the pics. Very helpful. Thanks!