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Stacked Leather vs Buffalo Horn Handles, which one?

R

romeocharlie

Joined
Aug 8, 2021
Messages
3
Okay, if you were looking at two bowie knives, one with a stacked leather handle and the other with a buffalo horn handle, and they both were the same price, which one would you get?

Also, think is terms of durability, longevity and ease of maintenance when you answer...looks are a factor, but I'm thinking more in the context of practicality and functionality.
 
romeocharlie said:
Okay, if you were looking at two bowie knives, one with a stacked leather handle and the other with a buffalo horn handle, and they both were the same price, which one would you get?

Also, think is terms of durability, longevity and ease of maintenance when you answer...looks are a factor, but I'm thinking more in the context of practicality and functionality.
Click to expand...
Welcome to BF!

Given the content of your post, I'd go with the horn handle. But I'd rather use the stacked leather one, if it's one that's done right.

Price point and quality are a big factor here too. Are we talking something cheap, like sub $150, or nice, like $500+? I can't imagine a good horn handle not being more expensive than stacked leather. Pictures would help.
 
Leather can be nice, but I like the looks of horn more and I think it will clean easier too.
 
I love buffalo horn, I'd have to choose that, ^ but yeah, it does start acting weirdly with time sometimes.
 
I like the buffalo horn for sure but in practicality the leather would be better for constant use. You have to weigh whether looks or comfort is what you're looking for
 
I love the looks of buffalo horn handles but stacked leather tends to be more durable. If given a choice, probably would go with leather.
 
Yea, to give more information, it's more of a rat tang, and not scales. Both knives are the exact same design, but it's just that one is horn, but the other is stacked leather.

Primarily, the thought going through my mind is durability over time. If I actually employ this knife into functional use, and let's say its gets damp and exposed to the elements, somewhat, with reason, which one would be more likely to hold up, and provide a secure grip over years, with appropriate maintenance?
 
I don't have experience with buffalo horn, but I can't imagine it feeling to much different than polished antler. I would guess it to be more durable than the leather over time but again I don't have experience with it. Personally I would still go with the stacked leather even if horn is more durable just do to comfort. Its probably the most comfortable handle I have used and if you take care of it well it should last you a very long time.
 
would think horn outlast leather
on the account that its a harder material..
all valid points stated by others above
aging condition is subjected to the
effects of physical usage and setting of enviromental exposure in long term storage.
leather can turn mouldy in the damp.
it can shrink and develop dry rot over
a long period of time.
horn may be attacked by bugs.
warp if extensively soaked in water
and dried in an overheatded temp.
nevertheless personally though,
i'ld go with horn.
i suppose a good handle
with a good secure grip is largely
dependant upon ergonomics.
i do belive that natural materials do
require periodic mineral nurishment
at some point.
so there is no escaping from after care.
 
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Horn/Stag/Antler has one major drawback: There are some fairly common bugs that like to eat it. :(

The Buffalo horn will last generations, given miminal care. Lots of 100 plus year old knives out there with stag/horn/bone handles, both fixed blades and folding knives.

Given even a tiny bit of care, leather washers can also last longer than you. There are WW1 knives with the original leather washers that are still as good as new.
Admitedly, some WW2 and later knives with leather need the leather replaced, if/when the varnish or shellac wears off and they are not cared for.

If using in cold/damp, leather will be warmer to the touch, doesn't get brittle as the mercury drops, and are not affected by high humidity as much as horn/stag/antler/bone can be.
Leather can mold/mildew. The US military currently requires a fungicide to be aplied to the leather washers of the issue knives, to help prevent mold and mildew destroying the handles. A coat of varnish or shellac (or maybe a thin coat of epoxy?) can also help prevent mold and mildew.

I suggest you do a web search for antique horn and stag handled knives, and look at the pictures (images) to see if you like how they age.

Both are a good traditional handle material, that have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years.
Both have advantages and disadvantages ... just like everything else.
 
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There weren’t enough (any) pictures in this thread. Jigged Buffalo horn is nice and grippy. The last two are mixed material leather aluminum stag and the black ring is Buffalo horn I believe.

My choice is stacked leather.
 
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1) stacked leather, 2) buffalo horn stick, 3) flat buffalo scales. That's how I'd rate them in terms of durability. Stag I'd put in front of all of them. Buffalo horn stick can check badly sometimes. With flat scales you can get shrinkage or expansion, and you have to watch pin placement, if you're too close to the edge, you might see cracking. Buffalo and regular cattle horn is beautiful stuff if it stays well for you.
 
I'd go with leather as I've seen the buff horn crack on a few knives in my days.
 
Leather can rot and horn has a tendency to shrink, IME. Both done well can be great and last a long time. If I needed to wash a knife a lot like for food use, I would not pick leather.

I like the feel of leather a lot more, especially on bigger knives so if it were a bigger knife, I would go leather. I also think the horn would be more likely to crack on a larger knife but I've seen it used successfully on a lot of Nepalese Kuhkris, which is also where you can read a lot about shrinkage issues, sometimes leading to cracks.

Overall, both have been successfully used it many, many knives. I might evaluate my choice of maker and what their opinion is on the matter if you're torn between the two.
 
Wow, think you all for the great information and advice, and images! This is exactly what I was looking for! YES, based on the information you all provided, I think I'll definitely be going with the leather. That was my gut decision anyway. I've owned a Marine Kabar for 20 years, with the stacked leather handles, and it's like the day I got it, but that's with very light use.
 
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