small cracks in stag scales

[pbassett]

I recently purchased a Case XX stag canoe. I got it for an amazing price, but when I got home I noticed small cracks in one of the scales. A friend told me that he thought these cracks where normal in stag scales. The cracks are in the dark grooves of the scales and are not anywhere close to the pins. Can anyone tell me if these cracks are normal for stag scales or are they the reason for the amazing price.

 

[A.P.F.]

I recently purchased a Case XX stag canoe. I got it for an amazing price, but when I got home I noticed small cracks in one of the scales. A friend told me that he thought these cracks where normal in stag scales. The cracks are in the dark grooves of the scales and are not anywhere close to the pins. Can anyone tell me if these cracks are normal for stag scales or are they the reason for the amazing price.

First off, welcome to Blade Forums!

Stag, like all natural materials, is subject to different kinds of 'weathering' and small cracks are not unusual. On occasion, cracks can form when the natural material dries out, even though it starts out as perfect. If your knife is for a collection, those small cracks may be an annoyance, however, for a user, I think they just add character. In the final analysis, only you can determine what is acceptable.

 

[pbassett]

Thanks A.P.F, for the welcome, and the info. I think I'm really going to enjoy being a member of BladeForums.com. I have already learned a lot just reading other members posts. I know that I have a lot to learn. I have always loved knives, but have only recently gotten serious about collecting. So many knives, so little time! Thanks again for your reply.

 

[Big_Red]

I had a similar situation recently... I bought my first Great Eastern Cutlery; a trapper pattern slipjoint with burnt stag. Even after asking the dealer to visually inspect the knife before going out, I received it with a crack down the full length of one scale, with several cracks near the butt of the knife and what appeared to be some type of sealant holding it together.

I sent pictures to the sales guy at GEC and he apologized for me receiving a knife with cracks and is taking care of me. Knife is on the way back to them... Unhappy with my first GEC, but looks like I will be happy once they take care of me.