- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
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- 13,363
I've been using mineral oil for years as well on stag and ivory, however keep in mind that it can stain/darken areas of some light color ivory handles.
I've seen a video on Google how to stabilize stag. Perhaps shrinking and cracking is do to not stabilizing your stag? It's a process that takes the stag place in I belive resin and then under vacuum leave 24 hours. This allows voids to fill. Doing this will also make stag heaver.I consider myself to be a Stag-a-holic, I collect stag knives, custom and production. I also buy stag scales so I can supply the maker of my choice with the stag of my choice. I probably have about 35 stag handle knives in my collection, the oldest probably around 70 years old. I don't have any of the damage that you mention. I also don't have any special care regime to suggest. Handling my knives on a regular basis helps I think.
I've heard it suggested to give stag a bath in warm mineral oil, but I've never tried it. If any of the signs of wear start showing on my knives I would try it.
I'm going to watch this thread for other suggestions.