To Use or Not to Use, That is the Question? GEC Natural Stag

Wheeler80

Wheeler80

Joined
Nov 12, 2013
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I just received a Dixie Stockman in Natural Stag. I picked it up because I'd never had a stag handled knife and I love the 82 pattern. But, I didn't realize how nice it was going to be. I don't own knives I don't use. I'm not a "safe queen" collector but I'm having a hard time picturing me using this. It's just too damn nice. Should I just grit my teeth, cut thru a piece of fiberglass ductboard and get it over with (like I do every other knife)? Or should I move it and get something not as nice/pretty/fancy? All thought, opinions, etc. are welcome. Thanks
 
Use it. Why not, just because it's pretty doesn't mean it won't be a great user. And really, it's not that much more expensive than other handle materials that it should change how you look at it. Plus, it's the in-hand feel when using the knife that makes stag so enjoyable, in my experience.
 
Use it.
It will perform as well as a knife with jigged bone, micarta or wood handles. The difference is...the stag gets more beautiful as you it, while the others just get Pocket worn/smoother.
I have a GEC Gambler in American Elk that rides shotgun every other day, the white areas of the handles are taking on a yellowish patina that is looks great.
USE IT.
 
62D6B41C-52C5-4E22-83CB-B1DA440831FB-10114-00000DEA276EBD4F.jpg


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Use it! It's a knife, and use hasn't hurt these! Stag is a great user material, but if you are worried, carry it for lighter day to day before hitting up the big jobs. I find that stag takes wear marks well, because it is a naturally worn material anyways.
 
Yeah, you guys are right. It's just a knife but the initial "Holy frak, this things a collectors piece!" moment threw me off. Used it shall be. Thanks!
 
Just use it. No need to beat it up, but I find I like my knives even more with "character ".
 
Use it. It was meant to cut stuff and it's not like it's a particularly rare knife. I'm betting you'll get more enjoyment in putting it to work than you would from just looking at it.
 
btj said:
Use it. It was meant to cut stuff and it's not like it's a particularly rare knife. I'm betting you'll get more enjoyment in putting it to work than you would from just looking at it.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't just look at it, I'd move it along. Like I said I don't keep non users. I think I'll throw it in my after work carry rotation for a while. Once it gets some use I may throw it in the work rotation. Maybe. Those knives get used pretty rough.
 
I like to use my knives as well. But I do have a couple that are too pretty to use. I too struggled at first, because I didn't want to part with them, but didn't want to wear on them. I realized that for me, it's OK to have a few knives just because they are pretty. They have become my church knives. I carry them occasionally, but don't use them. It's OK, I still get to enjoy them.
 
I do carry and use any knife of mine that I would want to, but the nicer ones like yours don't see rough duty. Sure, they can take it, but I kind of go to a middle ground of light to moderate tasks. This lets me enjoy the knife, but still keep it nice and fresh looking. Easy enough to carry a second, rough use knife at the same time.

Here is my only Natural Stag, a #48 Wharncliffe Trapper.
NatStagMark_zps7d1b1a2b.jpg~original


These really are beautiful stag covers that GEC uses for their Natural Stag, more consistent even than their Genuine Stag.
You got a gem there, so enjoy it however you please. Life is too short for regrets.
 
Been thinking about getting the exact same knife myself. Thing is, I don't usually carry a 4"+ knife, might be too big.:confused:

Mind you, that example you show-that you are having trouble using is a really decent specimen. Why not send it here and I'll get it into the groove??:D:D:thumbup:

Thanks, Will.
 
willgoy said:
Been thinking about getting the exact same knife myself. Thing is, I don't usually carry a 4"+ knife, might be too big.:confused:

Mind you, that example you show-that you are having trouble using is a really decent specimen. Why not send it here and I'll get it into the groove??:D:D:thumbup:

Thanks, Will.
Click to expand...


It's 4" but it really doesn't carry like it. I had another in Blackwood that I stupidly sold that I used as a work knife. I never had a problem with it's size and being a traditional it didn't freak anyone out. I actually got quite a few positive comments on it, mostly from old timers or people my age who remembered their grandpa carrying something similar.

You can have it, just pay $165 shipping.:D
 
If everything goes well I will have 2014 bladeforums knife which will be my first stag knife. I have been asking myself the same question and I think I am going use it, but I will have a pocket sheath with it (KSF Sheath). I feel I could handle the patina or scratches with some type of polish if I wanted to, but letting it grind on my keys or pocket change I couldn't do that. I learned that lesson with my first knife (case swayback jack) because I actually had a deep gash on the bolster when I took it out of my pocket. So now I use a pocket sheath or make sure nothing is in the same pocket that could make such a gash again.
 
Trick is to figure out what your personal value perceptions are, and then buy according to that. In general I try not to buy "too nice to use" knives in the first place, because I know I am susceptible to just the same quandary you find yourself in. It took me several purchases of too-nice knives to learn that lesson.

Since you have already bought it, your choices are:

- Construct a shrine around it and worship it as a piece of art :D
- Sell it to someone else and use the money to buy a cheaper knife that you'll use.
- Use it, as was your original intent and let the experience guide your future buying decisions
 
Like John, I've made that same mistake a couple of times now. Each time I sell the knife or trade it for a knife I'm more comfortable using. I've found that I'll sometimes enjoy a pattern more with the lower end covers because I don't have to worry about it so much.
 
Very very very personal choice. Just do whatever makes you feel better.
But, as someone wrote here some time ago (Christian, if I remember correctly) there is a distinct pleasure in carrying a beautiful, high quality folding knife and using it daily. That's my way at least. So if you want to know what I would do, then "carry it" is my answer :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Whatever makes you happiest. It's your knife. Me? I carry and use everything I have at will. Some get more carry time than others, but I enjoy using and carrying them, not just possessing them.
 
It's gonna get carried. I just sharpened her up and it's a wicked slicer now. Guess I just had to get the first cut out of the way. :)
 
I sometimes get relieved if I drop one and scratch up the bolster, then I can just use it with no worries. :) Yes, I need counseling.
 
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