stag crack question

macmiddlebrooks

macmiddlebrooks

Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
536
Hello,

I'm new to traditional folders and stag scales and am in need of y'alls advice. I noticed what appears to be a small crack in the stag scale on this knife that's en route to me. (bottom right corner)
OHTA1090001backOCT.jpg


Are tiny cracks in stag a tiny deal or a deal breaker? Thanks for your time,

Mac
 
It would be a deal breaker for me with a new knife. But Im anal like that. If it happened to one of my users then its character building.
 
Sometimes, these 'cracks' look worse in pics, than when examined in hand. Might wait to see what it looks/feels like when you're holding onto it. If it's enough that I can feel it with my fingernail, I might be concerned. Might not be a 'crack' at all, but a ridge or grind mark in the stag. Sometimes pics can be deceptive this way.

I have at least one stag-scaled knife with a crack that looks suspect when only viewed without touching. However, it's as smooth as can be when I attempt to 'catch' my fingernail in it, as if it's not even there. I've had the knife for several years now, and it's just fine. Hasn't grown or spread at all. So I don't worry about it.
 
That's a good-looking Ohta. Nice try at discretion though. ;)

It depends. If I like the handle enough and the crack is just a hairline, I'd keep it. Here's a stag handled hunter that came with a couple of small cracks. The cracks haven't gotten any worse.

blackjack125handle.jpg


The problem is that stag is a natural material. It expands and shrinks due to the climate and weather. That scale was more than likely whole when it was hafted. Sometime during its journey from Japan to California to Virginia that scale cracked a little bit, through no fault of the maker or vendor. It's just the nature of the beast.

In addition stag is not a fungible material and no two scales are exactly alike. While you can probably return that knife for a replacement, there is no guarantee that the knife you get will have scales that are as good looking as on the piece that you already have. Plus, there is always the chance that the replacement scales will crack also.

In the end you have to decide what you find acceptable. If you can live with it, I'd suggest keeping the knife it's a beauty. But if you find it bothersome, I'd suggest you return it as that knife will do nothing but irritate you everytime you look at it.

- Christian
 
Might not be a crack. I think it is a "sanding line" (a term I just made up). This is where two sanding planes meet to form a ridge. The ridge gets colored (dyed) with whatever is used to dye the stag/bone.

Just a guess.
 
To my eye, it seems to extend up next to the scale pin there. If so, and you can feel it with a fingernail along that path, I'd say it's a deal breaker -- but check it first. If you cannot feel it with a fingernail, then it may not actually be a crack. Natural stag often has fine surface checks that can pick up color differently.
 
Kamagong, you have a good eye :cool:
Ok, thanks for the input. I was more concerned with there being a handle integrity issue than just a minor cosmetic "flaw". I'm ok with that...just makes it mine I reckon. I hope I didn't come off all nambly-pambly :D
 
It's a stunner knife alright!

As others have remarked, it could be a fault or 'vein' in the stag rather than a crack. Stag seems to handle cracking and ageing just about better than any other material so I think you have little to worry about.

Can we see the other side please?? Those bar shields can look good......
 
Minor stress cracks in stag are quite common and most in my experience have been very stable. That said, I don't think that's a crack on the Ohta. Looks more like a beveled grind surface where the scale was contoured to make a smooth transition into the bolster. Ohta's hafting work is excellent - I doubt there will be any problems.
 
Looks like a heat check to me.Sometimes with buffing the heat brings them out.Especially next to the bolster.Gorgeous knife.That's treasure!
 
Dan Delavan the owner of Plaza Cutlery is very good at disclosing any flaws on any knife he sells. Many times I've seen him disclose a flaw in the description of a knife he has for sale. I'd call Dan and ask him if he noticed any flaw/crack on that knife's scales before or when he sent it to you.

Nice knife. I hope it works out for you.
 
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Modoc ED said:
Dan Delevan the owner of Plaza Cutlery is very good at disclosing any flaws on any knife he sells. Many times I've seen him disclose a flaw in the description of a knife he has for sale. I'd call Dan and ask him if he noticed any flaw/crack on that knife's scales before or when he sent it to you.

Nice knife. I hope it works out for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'm prob. just being paranoid......I'll be looking for that brown truck starting tomorrow :thumbup:
 
If there is an issue, I assure you that Dan Delavan from Plaza will take care of it.
Dan's one of the good guys and a friend. I'll give him a heads up in case he's not aware of the (potential) situation.


(Didn't notice Ed's edited post above or I'd have left well enough alone. In any case I'm sure the matter will be properly and professionally handled if need be.)
 
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Blues said:
If there is an issue, I assure you that Dan Delavan from Plaza will take care of it.
Dan's one of the good guys and a friend. I'll give him a heads up in case he's not aware of the (potential) situation.
Click to expand...

Thanks but prob. not nessesary as I havent recieved it yet. I'd rather not embarrass myself over nothing if possible :foot:
 
Here's another example of a stag crack. I never thought it affected the integrity of the knife, but part of it's personality.

P1010006-7.jpg
 
I did read somewhere that small cracks can be filled with super glue? May be an option for you to consider if it is indeed a crack.

untitled.jpg
 
Thomason said:
I did read somewhere that small cracks can be filled with super glue? May be an option for you to consider if it is indeed a crack.
Click to expand...

That's always an option, but it seems to me that the crack is so small that you'd have to enlarge it to get the superglue in.

- Christian
 
Mac,
When I looked it over I did not see any issues. There are colors and lines always running through stag as the guys pointed out that show up in pic's but are just in the stag. The pictures bring out everything pretty bold but do not worry if it is a crack just send it back. Will cover the shipping. There are nataural lines and I think that is all it is.
I try and point things out as best I can but when I do a group of knives I do miss things sometimes, mostly spelling as I am sure many of you have seen. I had a D' Holder knife with a flaw in the sheath I missed and the guy emailed me to look at the picture and there it was . D' Holder made a new sheath and we got it to him right away.
Any way no worries let me know if a problem and will take care of it. Will be in Vegas for Shot Show so if no answer I will get back to you. Also just informed Russ who will be in the shop while I am gone.
Thanks guys!
Dan
 
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