How durable is stag as a handle scale?

Professor · Sep 19, 1999

Curious how some designs intended for other purposes are actually great fighters by virtue of ergonomics. I've got a stag-handled hunter that's a beaut in the forward and reverse grips and wanted to know how durable stag is? Does it have a tendency to crack with age? Is it truly more for aesthetics, or is there durability to be had and that's why it been used so long? I've never abused it like micarta or G10; can it take hard use? A fall on pavement (Lord forbid)? Thanks in advance.

RCC · Sep 19, 1999

Professor...

Think about this...

Deers run at approx 40 mph. When they have a head on collision that is 80 mph.

The only damage that happens is a few minor scratches and maybe a small chip. Nothing major.

Stag is one of the most durbale things on the face of the earth. I am pretty sure it is on the top 10 list too.

If you need a HUGE selection of stag, check us out at www.knifesupplies.com

Ric

tallwingedgoat · Sep 19, 1999

So how does that compare to Oosic? I've never heard of a walrus with a broken, um, you know.

RCC · Sep 20, 1999

I have never dealt with oosic, and I think we are all pretty familair with what *organ* is it of the animal.

I imagine that it is pretty solid, since it is a failry popular item to use.

Ric

george tichbourne · Sep 20, 1999

Stag will tend to dry in extreme climates like New Mexico and Arizona and this can cause splitting. In the more moderate climate around southern Ontario stag will last 40 or more years before beginning to surface crack if it is not occasionally waxed. Furniture wax.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com

Bob Irons · Sep 20, 1999

george and others who know,

How do you prevent the splitting of stag handles? I know you've said furniture wax, but would regular application of Tuf-Cloth or other coating other than furniture wax work?

[This message has been edited by Bob Irons (edited 20 September 1999).]

RCC · Sep 20, 1999

If you are worried about it splitting...

Try applying some linseed oil to it. Great stuff to use.

Ric

Tuff · Sep 21, 1999

Stag looks nice. I'll say that much about it.

Lynn Grififth Knives · Sep 20, 1999

You will notice that knifemakers will have in there litature "natural handle materials are not guaranteed". There is a reason for this. They do not hold up the same as micartas (g-10 is a type of micarta) I offer stag, but prefer not to use it. Stag is very subsceptible to shrinking and or expanding. I have had stag break under my file, while shaping it. Stag is pretty, and is not the worst handle material. It however would not be first choice on a knife, if durability and strength was a concern to me.

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Lynn Griffith-Tactical Knifemaker
Winner of "Best Tactical Knife" at 1999 PKA show
My website
See my award winning "Spec Ops Tanto" in Gallery 3 of my website
GriffithKN@aol.com
Discounts to Police and Active Duty Military

Professor · Sep 20, 1999

Thanks Lynn. I think that's the answer I was looking for; I had the sneaky feeling it wouldn't hold up as well as other materials for camp chores etc., though it would probably be fine for light use and oggling. Thanks everyone.

Lynn Grififth Knives · Sep 20, 1999

Thanks Lynn. I think that's the answer I was looking for; I had the sneaky feeling it wouldn't hold up as well as other materials for camp chores etc., though it would probably be fine for light use and oggling. Thanks everyone.

Glad I could be of help. If you want something attacive and strong check out this micarta.

------------------
Lynn Griffith-Tactical Knifemaker
Winner of "Best Tactical Knife" at 1999 PKA show
My website
See my award winning "Spec Ops Tanto" in Gallery 3 of my website
GriffithKN@aol.com
Discounts to Police and Active Duty Military