Need Info on UH Rancher (834UH)

[toothed]

(I already posted this on the Shrade forum but thought that I should post it here, too, since there is not as much "traffic" over at Shrade).

I saw an Uncle Henry Rancher (834UH) with "stag" handles being sold for $47.50 at a retail store. The clerk insisted that the handles were real "antler" (as it was represented to the store's buyers when they bought it at a trade show). This western outfitter store was dimly lit but, sadly, I wouldn't know the difference between real stag and a good imitation even if the lighting had been bright. (I blame this on my years of buying only G-10, Ti and stainless steel handled knives). There was only one knife so I couldn't compare it to another to see if the stag pattern was identical (suggesting an imitation slab). I checked some internet sites and saw this model being sold on average for $24 with a "Staglon" (I assume some sort of delrin) handle.

Warning: Christmas spoiler to come.
Has anyone heard of Uncle Henry Ranchers with real stag handles (limited editions or possible custom jobs)? Would these knives be specially marked? What should I be looking for to validate real stag? Or are stag-handled UH Ranchers probably made of Rudolph's antlers? (A fantasy)? Sorry, kids. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bob bowie]

It's Derlin Plastic in a stag pattern(staglon). They have made real stag Schrades, but not as a Uncle Henry pattern. Unless they're custom rehandles not done by Schrade, they're not stag.

If you can find a spot with good light(bring a flashlight), you should be able to see tiny little pits, lines, and fibers in real stag.

If you run your finger across stag, you should feel a slight chalky feel, like a finger nail scraped against sandpaper, or the raised fibers of a wet piece of wood. Derlin is smooth with none of this. If they have a Old Timer model handy, check it against the UH, where the slab meets the bolster, they should have the same level of smoothness.

 

[toothed]

Thanks for the info, Bob Bowie. I returned to the shop today and confirmed that the slabs were Staglon. (There's a more detailed post on the Schrade forum if anyone is interested).

I'm really impressed with the quality of knife you get for twenty-something bucks. That Staglon is good stuff compared to other cheaper plastic offerings. I'll probably get this Schrade later at a more realistic price.

The info on stag that you provided will be invaluable for me in the future. I have a Case whittler with stag (my one and only) but I guess I need more exposure to the material to make me a more knowledgeable shopper. Thanks again.