Water Buffalo or Elk handles from the custom shop?

Joined
Jun 14, 2010
Messages
7
So I was looking at the buck custom shop for a custom 110, s30v. I like the sambar stag but unfortunately that's just out of my price range now.

My next choices down are elk antler and the water buffalo horn. I like the classic look of the elk but I'm also really digging on the look of the water buffalo horn with nickle bolsters and rivets.



Help?
 
Welcome!

You cant go wrong with either choice (IMHO) I like the buffalo a tad more myself, but they both look fantastic!
 
The solution is obvious: get one of each!!!!

:D

You have posed a tough choice. Both have their advantages and both work well.

Go with your heart!!

;)
 
You can't go wrong with either. The water buffalo is highly polished and will show scratching more than the elk. (The buffalo will scratch if it's a user.)

I personally like elk, well Sambar stag, but elk is an agreeable alternative. But that's just me. :)
 
DSC_1684-1.jpg
 
I gotta say I prefer the look of the jigged buff over the plain buff.

The plain can look a little too plain and it's rare to get enough of the white streaking to jazz it up enough.

I hope you haven't forgotten the KOA......which is sometimes quite spectacular.

:)
 
I gotta say I prefer the look of the jigged buff over the plain buff.

The plain can look a little too plain and it's rare to get enough of the white streaking to jazz it up enough.

I hope you haven't forgotten the KOA......which is sometimes quite spectacular.

:)



I haven't forgotten the woods I'm just overly paranoid about scratching or marking, that's all. I would think the horn handles would be more durable. what about rams horn?
 
Tom,
Sometimes elk ages into a golden or honey colored scale. I happen to like it, but some may not, each to there own....300Bucks

[
301Elk.jpg

Elk301a.jpg
 
Last edited:
I haven't forgotten the woods I'm just overly paranoid about scratching or marking, that's all. I would think the horn handles would be more durable. what about rams horn?

I wouldn't be too overly worried about scratching the handles. I use all my customs and the handles are fine. The blades do have fine scratches though. Generally the handles are protected by the sheath or your hand. Look through the pictures of all the knives listed in this forum over the years, and what you will notice is alot of worn blades and a tarnished frame. I would pick out the handle material you prefer the looks of most, and if its in your budget... buy it! Best advice I can give. Good luck!!

Oh, and if you wouldn't mind, once it arrives, post some pictures! We love pics! Thanks in advance! :thumbup:
 
I'm just overly paranoid about scratching or marking, that's all.

Then I'd go with the elk or ram, depending on your preference for appearances. The horns have a more variegated appearance which will mask scratches to some extent. (Even my Sambar stag 110 user has small scratches which are only noticeable if you look closely. They all will scratch to some extent if you use the knife. But a certain amount gives it character.) :)
 
Yeah.......you gotta get what appeals to you the most.

The woods are plenty tough......no worry there.
 
If you consider Jigged Buff, ya mightas well go for the stag for 37 more bucks.

IMHO Smooth Buff is the best bang for the BUCK.
 
The cheapest was orange Fiji wood - still a great knife. They were all BG-42 - that didn't hurt! $84!

IMG_3525.jpg


The fg-ed/jigged water buffalo didn't come out as well as others - perhaps why I didn't get the then recently increased price for that choice. The BCCI 110's in Micarta weren't bad, either!

My next one will be a NS S30V - either in elk or buffalo - it is a tough decision!

Stainz
 
Back
Top