Novice with Question On Removing Stag Scales

B

Boozoo Chavis

Joined
Oct 18, 2003
Messages
1,592
I was given an old Taylor Cutlery folder that has some great looking stag scales. Can someone tell me the best way to remove the stag without damaging it-they are pinned and glued. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

(I am going to attempt to use the stag scales on a tiny 2 1/4" in damascus fixed blade.)
 
Are you sure that its real stag? Taylor Cutlery doesn't make the highest quality stuff. Haven't handled them excessively but for the prices I'd be surprised if its even died bone and not plastic :confused: Could be wrong, but I'd make sure before you go too much trouble.

The pin heads will most likely need to be drilled out because they are probably peened. Use a drill bit slightly bigger than the pin and just drill a shallow divot over each pin. This is not easy to do without clamping things up pretty good. Then if you have a heat gun, or maybe just try some boiling water you can use that to release the epoxy/glue holding them on. Have an Xacto knife or something handy to slip between them and the liners to help work them free.

To be honest, I think you'd be well off to just buy new handle material from a supply house. Then you don't have holes to work around and don't have to mess with taking the scales off.
www.texasknife.com
www.jantzsupply.com
www.kovalknives.com

Good luck
 
Thanks for the help Matt. The knife I'm taking the stag from is an Elk Horn brand knife made by Taylor Cutlery in the late 70's and early 80's-back in the good ol' days when decent stag was plentiful.

You're probably right about the hassle of taking the scales off but I think I'll give it a shot and see what happens. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.
 
That makes sense on the stag.

Not trying to discourage you, if you don't mind taking the knife apart then there's nothing to lose. Its just that after having a few mishaps putting scales on and cracking one side, I've always ended up making 2 new scales. Never gotten them back off in one peice :grumpy: Hopefully your luck is different, I know other people have done it before :)
 
I agree about putting it in boiling water after drilling the pin heads. Just make sure to add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to the water. That will greatly retard flash rust after you take the knife from the water.:eek:

Good luck.:D

Edited to add; Make sure to allow the scales to dry completely before reusing them.
 
I have nor more advice than matt had, just wanted to say that it looks like the forums just got a good dose of Zydeco music added to the mix!

Welcome Boozoo.

John
 
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