Stag Bone

Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
5
Can someone explain the appeal of stag bone handles to a newbie? They seem to carry a premium, and I wanted to know why.
 
Many jigging patterns are called stag bone, which is usually cattle bone with a pattern "jigged" into it. Stag, or genuine stag is cut from stag antler, and has a natural texture that can be quite beautiful. People, I for one, like its rugged texture.
 
Since the embargo, prices for real stag have risen. And it may be hard to find enough to make an entire run of knives.

One substitute, as you've found, is "bone stag." It's cattle bone that's jigged to look like antler, dyed, and perhaps scorched. Each one of those steps requires additional labor and material. The end result usually looks great, has a good grip, and is a natural material suitable for traditional styles knives.

-Bob
 
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