Handle material

[KimberComp]

I liked my Foster Camp knife so well that I'm going to do another but likely upgrade some. The sheep horn is fine! I like it! Don't want the same on the next knife but I like the fact it looks like wear marks will be well camoflauged. Is there other natural material that is attractive, tough, and camoflauges wear marks in the handle area.

To date, the only other natural material I've had has been buffalo horn and stag. Appreciate some input from you collectors and users. Likely the next one will simply be more of collectable but I still want a material that will camoflauge any marks if I ever decide to put it to use.

 

[Grapevine]

Good stag looks great whether you've used it or not because the stag sure has.

 

[marlin39d]

Speaking as a novice I'd say anything natural the has texture to it would camoflauge wear marks. Sheephorn, stag (the more bark the better) jigged bone, etc.

 

[RogerP]

Good stag looks great whether you've used it or not because the stag sure has.

Well said. A nice stag carver would be my choice for a tough natural handle material. Just love the stuff.

You can see a recent example of a stunning stag bowie by Burt Foster that my buddy Peter ordered here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395382

Roger

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Stag will wear well, but I really don't think it all that tough. It is actually quite brittle. Many of the woods would also be a good choice. Scatches and dings look okay to me on a wood handle, and many woods withstand impact very well.