Ohta handle material? (bone or stag)

[Big Dave]

Greetings,

I would like to get some input on what handle material to request on an upcoming order that will be a Half Congress (3 1/2 closed).

I have a fantastic swayback from Hiroaki and the stag is very nice. It's cut on the thick side for my taste and I would like a thinner profile that more or less matches the thickness of the bolster. Someone told me that Hiroaki can make it thinner. I was wondering if anyone has any photos his stag that is on the thinner side? As a side note I was talking with Stan Fujisaka a few weeks ago and showed him an older stag knife. He pointed out that the stag had shrunk and said that stag was known to shrink over time. I was surprised to hear that.

The other option is bone. It seems like bone seems to be much more common on custom Congress knives these days. Any idea why this is the case? Have you seen a particular color or jigging from Hiroaki that really stood out?

Historically, has one of these handle materials been more popular than the other? I see the older Case Congress patterns go for much more in stag compared to bone.

Anyway, I've been tossing this around for a couple of months and can't come to a solid conclusion. I know it's personal preference but I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[fishface5]

I've only seen a couple stag Ohta's in person, and none in jigged bone. I was really close to buying one of the stag models but, like you, I prefer the scales to be flush with the bolsters. But you could always ask him for his thoughts on the matter.

 

[Michael Lovett]

Kinda hard to do! Ohta is a friend of ours, but he doesn't speak English. When we meet, there is always a translator with him. Usually the Japanese Knife Mag. editor from Cali. Hero.

As to stag, yea it can shrink. so can bone, ivory, horn, all woods, and even the old paka wood micarta. The very beautiful Cape buff, and the water Buff are the wrost, along with asian ox. Otha's work is first class bar none! Get what you like! I have seen several of his creations in Jigged bone,and it was beautiful. Stag will bring a higher return in you investment most times. Your choice. The Ohta I carry is in Iron Wood. Beautiful. Not my # 1 choice, but that is what her brought for me.

Thanks Buddy!! Three years now and it is still going strong!

Mike Lovett