MGC Bear damascus quality?

Joined
Aug 18, 2002
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Local cutlery store has a MGC bear damascus blade skinner with stag handle (one of the handle pieces is actually a little separated from the tang) for half off of full retail. Is MGC Bear any good?
 
I always though it was weird that it's never mentioned, at least AFAIK, what exactly the damascus is. I'll guess that they are "ok".

Oh, and is it "stag" or "stag bone", I bet it's the latter.

$50 bucks then for this?

beardroppointskinner.jpg


I think I'd send another $20 or $30 and get something that I knew what the blade steel was. Seberal posts say it's 5160 and 1018.
 
It's a different blade shape than that, more of an upswept tip. I don't remember exactly but I think they had it marked closer to $200 so half off would be closer to $100. Thanks for that link - I obviously did something wrong in my search. I think I will pass. I still regret not getting one of those Delta Z damascus blades when they were going out of business.
 
Save your money and get a REAL damascus knife with a REAL stag handle. That is cheesy jigbone that is a feeble attempt at looking like real stag. They are marketing it in a way to dupe less knowledgeable knife buyers into thinking they are getting genuine stag. Pretty cheesy, if you ask me. And I used to think they were a decent company with decent stuff. :barf:

The damascus in that blade is not going to stay sharp very long, as it contains mild steel or pure nickel. A quality damascus blade from one of the custom guys(or girls) is going to contain nothing but blade quality high carbon steels.
 
Genuine India Stag Bone. Damn that stuff is ugly!

Probably this knife:

585D.jpg


Only thing I know about their damascus is what I have read and it hasn't been great. Most people find it to be a mid quality steel. Some really like it and some absolutely hate it.
 
I kinda like the Bear knives. No they're not made with great materials, but all that I've seen are well-made. I think if you buy one at half-off you won't be disappointed, and you'll get your money's worth.

As far as the "bone stag handles" not being real stag, Bark River and other companies do the same thing. As long as you're aware it's bone jigged and dyed to look like stag.

Check the retail price for that knife at SMKW or the other inexpensive retailers to see how much half-off from the local store really is. Half off of m.s.r.p. isn't that great, half off of normal retail price would seriously tempt me.

Sierra Trading Post sometimes has Bear Cutlery knives on closeout. You might check there before buying local - you'll be most satisfied with the knife if you don't pay more than you have to.

Good Luck with your decision,
Bob
 
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