Why choose stag?

Why choose stag?

Cause it's purdy....

LoggingShoesScagles007.jpg


Tom
 
This is why. I chose this stag when Ohta gave me a choice of 3 different slab pairs when he was making my knife, very glad I did. The pile side is very similar, both are slim and both go right into the Rat-tail bolster, bark and all.

IMG_1259.jpg
 
That's some really nice stag Will. Ohta always seems to have nice stag on hand for his knives.
 
Thank you gentlemen for your comments. I'm hoping to get another of his knives but this time a Japanese Trad and not stag clad. Lot of other expenses are mugging that project for now....

Regards, Will
 
I don't know if it was stated in the thread yet,but I've found,I've compared & stag is lighter in weight than micarta. It's a good ,light , grippy & durable natural material for a knife.
 
VCM3 said:
I don't know if it was stated in the thread yet,but I've found,I've compared & stag is lighter in weight than micarta. It's a good ,light , grippy & durable natural material for a knife.
Click to expand...

Very good point. It also feels lighter than bone or wood for sure, and in my experience much less prone to cracking than say bone (if it's quality and been treated correctly) Finding good stag that you like is not easy, there is a lot of so-so stuff knocking about that's rather anaemic, even unpleasant! But when you get a knife with the stag you like, you can look forward to some fine ageing too, wish we were the same:D
 
I am not a fan of most stag due to the lack of symmetry and irregularity usually encountered. While stag does provide a solid grip, I am not fond of stag's "loud" presence/appearance and how it feels in the pocket or in the hand. I also am not a fan of jigged bone for many of the same reasons. I sure will not pay a premium for stag, preferring to purchase ivory for dressier knives. I find ivory offers plenty of grip, even with wet hands, and opt for ivory as the premium material.

I much prefer canvas micarta as a handle material. I get a solid grip, a durable handle, uniform thickness and feel, and a quiet appearance.
 
Popcorn stag


1800's stag

Stag is great stuff. Grippy, more or less stable, hardy, easy to work with and natural.
The scales not being bookmark perfect (like wood) is part of the charm.
Finding a knife maker who knows how to use stag is essential. They need to match slabs that fit the hand.
The stag needs to be ground from the back, not from the front.
This way the pith (the porous, ugly core) is less likely to show.
One more… an older Schrade/Walden.


As for the cow bone… they are using the rest of the cow, and it's already dead for those reasons, why waste?
In the old days cow bone was called "French Ivory"
Just like nickel silver was called "German Silver"

Bowie and small hunter with French Ivory


I guess stag is like brussel sprouts… not for everyone.
That's OK, more for me :D
 
Very good and differing examples you show there. As for Brussel sprouts, I like them but the aftermath is somewhat tricky :eek: at least stag doesn't do that :D Here's a 25 drop-point I won in a recent giveaway

IMG_1530.jpg
 
willgoy said:
Very good and differing examples you show there. As for Brussel sprouts, I like them but the aftermath is somewhat tricky :eek: at least stag doesn't do that :D Here's a 25 drop-point I won in a recent giveaway

IMG_1530.jpg
Click to expand...

Love that 25 Will :D
 
Choice of knife handle material is very personal. Stag is not my favorite material either for looks or for feel. My personal preference is for a smoother feel in a grip material and I also prefer the looks of smooth wood, smooth bone or even smooth delrin/composites. (Yipes! A heretic speaks!:)) But I no longer hunt and my knife uses are pretty sedentary in nature these days so having a grippy knife handle is not a requirement.
 
Thank you Paul!

The 25 seems to be my constant companion these days, just right:small but not fiddly very nice carry.

Regards, Will
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top