Of Rivets and Stag

T

The Savage Rabbit

Joined
Nov 30, 2006
Messages
351
I will likley order another CKS 110 very soon. I'm thinking of the following options: S30V, NS bolsters, rivets, finger grooves, Elk antler scales, initials in front bolster, and brown leather sheath.

Should I be worried about the rivets causing cracks in the antler OR that moisture could get between the antler and the frame because the antler is not glued flat to the frame?

Responses (based on facts, opinons, prejudicies, or folk tales:D) would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Just a consideration. And it's only my opinion.

I prefer Sambar Stag to elk. For years Sambar Stag has been a preferred natural handle for hand guns due to its hardness and durability. It also has a nice color contrast (though you may prefer the lighter brown color of the elk).

This is from the knife connection website:

"In 2000, a general embargo placed by the government of India cut off Stag supply shipments. The action was a blow to the American knife industry but the economic impact was felt by many more who worked in international Stag antler distribution. In 2005, the government of India allowed a one time release of “pre-ban” Stag stockpiles. These released stockpiles are working there way through the market now with the prospect that India Sambar Stag material will be virtually impossible to obtain in the near future. "

Who knows if the ban will be lifted, but if not sambar stag may become scarce and quite valuable.

P.S. Don't take all the Stag. I plan to be ordering in the new year ;)
 
If you really like rivets, I'd say go ahead and get them.

Otherwise, keep it simple.

What Wolf says about the stag is wise.

If you haven't got a KOA yet, don't overlook that possibility. Some of those are really beautiful and really not so costly for what you get.
 
wolfdog said:
Just a consideration. And it's only my opinion.

I prefer Sambar Stag to elk. For years Sambar Stag has been a preferred natural handle for hand guns due to its hardness and durability. It also has a nice color contrast (though you may prefer the lighter brown color of the elk).
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My other working CKS 110 wears stag. Also, it's now a $144 option as opposed to a lot, lot less when I bought the other knife back in 2006. I don't want to spend the money.
 
BG42EDGE said:
If you haven't got a KOA yet, don't overlook that possibility. Some of those are really beautiful and really not so costly for what you get.
Click to expand...

The last web-fight here was in the thread, First Christmas, which was about my and my son's KOA 110s. Best value on the Custom Shop site, in my opinion.
 
Oh, how could I forget THAT thread?

:D

Well, I have an elk 110 and I was not as pleased as I could have been with it. I would have preferred more bark or brown coloring although it is still very nice.

It may be possible to keep a more intense line of communication going with the maker and strongly emphasize your preferences about the scales. They do want happy customers, after all.

Considering the good luck you had with your KOA, maybe you don't have to be concerned.

;)
 
I don't mind the different look of elk. I actually welcome it. I'm only concerned about pins causing cracks or water getting behind the elk and rusting the frame. My theory is that the rivetless knives have the scales glued to the frame. That way, so my theory continues, there are no holes to crack and no spaces between the scales and frame to let water in. But rivets look cooler and I would also assume that rivets are stronger than the glue.

I've used the Sambar Stag 110 to dress and skin a few deer and pigs. The new elk 110 will join the Stag 110 in that role. Therefore, this knife will get alternating baths of blood, hot soapy water, and then Breakfree. It needs to be able to stand up to the risk of moisture.

The KOA 110 will be my fancy ceremony knive to be worn to Christmas, family birthdays, and the like. Luckily, some of my family can appreicate the concept of a ceremony knife.
 
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The frame is NS so it won't rust. I'm now looking at my S30V Sambar Stag 110 and notice that the scales are screwed to the frame from the inside of the frame. I doubt that they use epoxy.

I may someday get the elk 110 in S30V just for the variety. I only suggested the Sambar because it may become totally unavailable and elk will be around for a long time in the USA. There are an abundance of elk herds right where I live. What did you originally pay for the Sambar option in 2005? I'm curious.
 
I suspect the rivets on the customs are just for show and the scales are glued.

I don't know the details, though.....or how the rivets are set.

You should call the shop.
 
wolfdog said:
What did you originally pay for the Sambar option in 2005? I'm curious.
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I don't remember. But I think it was closer to $50. I didn't have a preference for stag or elk at the time so I'm sure I didn't pay over twice as much as elk for stag. But, I didn't have a kid then so money was more plentiful. :o
 
The Savage Rabbit said:
I didn't have a kid then so money was more plentiful. :o
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Yeah, but you are already planning to pass nice things on to him that will be worth a lot more than money. When he is an adult looking at his "old" birthday KOA 110, he'll shake his head and think "To think my father paid less than $200. for this . If only they were that cheap now!"
 
stag is classic
sambar is a bit harder then americian stag antler..
thus more resist to cracking
if you order from the CS i believe you can ask for Glue and Rivets
 
Hi Rabbit,

I have many stag folders (500 series, 112's, 110's, 55's). Most have no pins, but a few do and show no signs of any cracks around the pins. These are a mix of Elk and Sambar. If you want the look of pins go for it, they will not cause any issues.

I can also say that some of my Elk handles have better bark and better color than some of my Sambar handles. It's the luck of the draw, even if you ask for ruff bark with good color!
jb4570
 
I like mine without rivets. Any of them. Just look cleaner to me.

I doubt you will have trouble with either one. If so, there is always Bucks warranty.

So it boils down to personal preference.
 
I can remember the first custom 110 i oredered,it was made by Dana Queen,it was a sambar stag/mirror polished 420 hc blade,brass bolsters/rivets.The cost of the sambar stag back in 1999 was $36.Times change.lol,but all of the custom shop knives i did have were with rivets,i just loved rivet look,although the handles were glued also.
 
:cool:...This'll bring tears to yer eyes. Oh the memories...:(...jus' click the thumb a couple of times...:eek:

 
yea back in the "Day"
i remember those days ...
but not what i had for breakfast..
D order is in but delivery is not sure thing..
 
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