I am not sure whether it is burnt stag... I know that Bill only uses the absolute best stag he can find and his supply is about depleated from what I hear (not first hand).
Man, this baby has a great blade grab at about the last 15% in the swing back to the handle. You won't see any blade wobble either. This thing locks up as tight as a drum.. It really is designed to be a gents carry. But, I don't know who would carry it and actually cut something with it..