Stag handle care

marknga

marknga

Joined
Jan 3, 2003
Messages
95
What is the best way to maintain a stag handle? I have a Gerber 525 ( marked Eddie Bauer") fixed blade with a beautiful stag handle. I use the knife for deer hunting and noticed the other day that some small hairline cracks are appearing and that they stag is "yellowing" somewhat. What is the best way to maintain stag?

Thanks in advance for your time and replies.

Happy New Year!

Mark
 
Stag is like wood in the respect that it is susceptible to movement relative to moisture content. With wood, there is NO POSSIBLE WAY to seal it so that it is unaffected by moisture variation, though you can limit it to varying degree with certain finishes. Encase it in concrete if you like, it will continue to expand and contract. I would think stag would be similar.

I'd say wax it like Bill says. Limit the cracking as much as you can, and live with the "beauty marks" that'll appear through the years. :)
 
a good soak every now and again in mineral oil maybe? i've seen several people here do this for bone or stag handles.
 
I have no idea where the use of mineral oil came from. There is no benefit to using it that I can see. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
I have no idea where the use of mineral oil came from. There is no benefit to using it that I can see. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

I've seen it recommended in the traditional forum for caring for bone handle scales. Maybe someone will chime in that knows better.
 
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