Shields and stag.

And other times a shield looks just fine with some premium stag:

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(For those who may not recognize the mark, this beauty is by our own Don Hanson.)
 
I think Herman Williams does a good job of selecting stag slabs with a shield in mind. At least it appears so on this one.

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I like this execution.
 
Yeah, on some it works but to me that is rare. I like most without a shield.
 
I think generally a stag handle looks better without a shield, especially if the stag is rough with deep grooves.

But on a smooth stag handle, a shield is all-right. Found this picture online as a good example:
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It especially works well on the Herman Williams customized Old Timer because the stag has a deep color that contrasts nicely with the bright shiny shield.
 
I've always been particularly drawn to a tasteful, well proportioned and neatly inlaid shield on just about any scale material, stag included. There are definitely some exceptions, but in general, a traditional knife without a shield is like a shapely woman without a belly button: something's missing.

The location of the shield isn't all that negotiable, so stag presents the cutler with a real challenge. When the challenge is met, the handle is given a subtle center-of-interest that keeps the eye from sliding over the scale with no anchor point to hold onto :eek:. IMO, that center-of-interest is just as aesthetically important to a knife as it is to a good painting or photograph.

To my eye, the shield on this stag scale completes the look of the knife, but if you close your eyes and run your fingers over the scale, you'd never know it was there.

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Blues said:
So, I guess that I'm fine with it either way as long as the knife itself captures my fancy.
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I agree with Blues. I've posted this pic before, but I thought it might be useful to show it again as it has several stag knives.

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The Queen on top looks good with a shield because the stag used is pretty plain.

The A.G. Russell on the bottom looks fine without because the stag is pretty nice and this knife's lines would be broken up by the addition of a shield.

The Northfield and the Ohta would look good either way. Both pieces have quality stag and the shields are unobtrusive enough that they do not detract from the natural beauty of the stag.

In any case I wouldn't have bought any of these knives if I didn't find them attractive.

- Christian
 
First of all Gus..BZZZZZZZZ...barlows are a bad example because...well, they are barlows and generally don't have shields :p

I think most pocket knives look nekkid without a shield and it doesn't matter what material is used BUT, I will take stag either way. (but I'd rather have a shield)

Oh yea...unless of course we are talking about burnt stag then you can't cover that stuff up enough. :D
 
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jackknife said:
Okay, maybe it's just me, but I'm having a little problem.

I'm seeing a lot of very very nice stag scales on a lot of custom and high end knives. That's not the problem, I love stag. But when I look at a really nice stag handle on a custom, lots of good knarley bark, popcorns, especially the old German stuff, and there's a nice shiney shield right in the middle of it, it kind of ruins it for me. I mean, there it is, great stag, with a distraction right in the middle of all that great texture.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think really nice stag should be left alone to be just what it is; a great looking handle left unadorned?

I especially feel this way with factory names on the shield. I mean, the name is already stamped on the blade tang, how much more do you need?

Just a stray thought at 3 in the morning when I can't sleep.

Carl.
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I agree Carl. Especially a big shield on a small knife. :thumbdn: Check out GEC. Their real stag is primo stuff, and they do not put a shield on the stag! :thumbup:
 
Case xx always did a nice job putting less barky stag on the shield side.They now have a special run of stag knives that dont have shields and they look kind of odd to me.They have a bolster mark i dont care for or at least havent gotten accustomed to.I guess that puts me on the pro shield side of this discussion.
 
It should be judged on a knife by knife basis. Are they necessary, or do they detract, from every knife? Not in my opinion. One of those YMMV scenarios.
 
Depends on the pattern and the shield.

My GEC Half Congress looks fantastic with the Northfield shield as it adds to the symmetry of the pattern.

I like the arrowhead shield on the '08 Stockman Forum knife (stag)
 
I prefer a well done shield, even on stag. Here's two examples from Joel Chamblin:

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Here's three from Hiroaki Ohta:
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I would have passed on them all if they didn't have a shield.
 
Well, I was going to chime in that I don't like shields on stag, but after looking at some of the pics in this thread I'm definitely more open minded towards them. That's an understatement - some of these stag knives with shields are absolutely gorgeous! :thumbup: I'm now firmly in both camps. ;)
 
A shield doesn't always ruin the look of a knife for me, but I can honestly say that I've never seen a knife with a shield that I didn't think would look better without. I guess I kinda prefer a more natural look to my knives. Giant markings on the blade are a big turn-off for me too.
 
I think a well done shield on nice stag can add a wonderful touch to the knife. This one by Ryu for example...

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And here is the other side for comparison...yes, the stag looks great. But it seems to be missing something ;)
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