Why so much stag, GEC?

T

thedaver8

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May 22, 2013
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So I don't hate stag. But it definitely isn't anywhere close to my favorite handle material. I Know GEC does stag justice, and it looks great, but why do they make so darn much? It seems like every time I look at a site that sells GEC, the stag knives are always the last to go. But they make SO MUCH. And with this current Wall Street run, it is especially strange that they are making stag for every blade option. Is it just me or would anyone else like to see fewer stag knives and more of anything handle material?
 
Word. Though I do like the 2nd or 3rd cut and smooth polished varieties. The Wall Street also comes in that sweet autumn gold bone. More of that stuff please.
 
Hm, not me, I like stag. It's one of the most interesting cover materials to me because each knife is different and unique. With most types of bone, wood, or acrylic you end up with knives that all look the same, or at least very similar. With stag you get so much variety.

Also, depending on where you're looking, the stag can seem more prevalent than it really is because they will often shoot pictures of every stag knife individually, for reasons mentioned above, while they'll list one picture in bone when they have 15 or more in stock in that material.
 
I don't they should do away with it altogether, since there are many who like stag, but I do think they should make less of it. :)
 
thedaver8 said:
So I don't hate stag. But it definitely isn't anywhere close to my favorite handle material. I Know GEC does stag justice, and it looks great, but why do they make so darn much? It seems like every time I look at a site that sells GEC, the stag knives are always the last to go. But they make SO MUCH. And with this current Wall Street run, it is especially strange that they are making stag for every blade option. Is it just me or would anyone else like to see fewer stag knives and more of anything handle material?
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Because it sells. People want it. Especially, those that are interested in traditional knives.
 
slide13 said:
Also, depending on where you're looking, the stag can seem more prevalent than it really is because they will often shoot pictures of every stag knife individually, for reasons mentioned above, while they'll list one picture in bone when they have 15 or more in stock in that material.
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That is true, but my sense is that it doesn't sell as well based on it always being the last of what's available for every pattern. Seems like it's in less demand than other materials.
 
Modoc ED said:
Because it sells. People want it. Especially, those that are interested in traditional knives.
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I know it sells somewhat, and there definitely is an audience for it. But since GEC only makes so many knives in limited quantity, it seems like they are making a mistake making so many of a pattern that sits on the shelves for months at a time, rather than making the knives from the materials that fly off the shelf.
 
Very simple solution. If you don't like it, don't buy it. One thing a consumer is in total control of, is where they spend their money.
 
I like stag, on the right knife. What is one of the big reasons you see it still on the shelves long after the bone or woods are gone? Simple, price. You can by a killer #42 in bone or wood for $90, natural stag will run you $160. Obviously it takes a little more time to move these higher priced versions but they do sell eventually. If they didn't move dealers would not stock them.

I think the reason you see them offer it on nearly every Northfield pattern is that GEC is a very traditional company and stag is a very traditional cover material, a premium cover material. Very appropriate with their Northfield marketing position.
 
A lot of collectors like stag. It is a premium knife handle material. GEC's Northfield line is their higher-end, premium line so they put premium handles on some of them for those collectors and knife owners who prefer it.

I think that developing an appreciation for a good stag is part of the education and maturing of tastes for a knife collector. Some things take a while before you can learn to accept and appreciate them for what they are. It's probably like educating your palate to be able to appreciate an expensive wine. That doesn't mean you always want to drink it, though. :)

I am still not quite there myself but now that I own a few (the Canal Street Eric's Jack, the 2014 BF #77, a few others) I am starting to come around a little.
 
Well said John. GEC has a goal in mind, to make traditional knives in limited runs for those who appreciate the classics. One of the hard and fast facts is that stag must be a large part of this endeavor. For hundreds of years, stag has been the premium material for knife handles. Plain and simple.
 
thedaver8 said:
So I don't hate stag. But it definitely isn't anywhere close to my favorite handle material. I Know GEC does stag justice, and it looks great, but why do they make so darn much? It seems like every time I look at a site that sells GEC, the stag knives are always the last to go. But they make SO MUCH. And with this current Wall Street run, it is especially strange that they are making stag for every blade option. Is it just me or would anyone else like to see fewer stag knives and more of anything handle material?
Click to expand...

Absolutely agree with you. Haven't seen stag yet that spoke to me the way bone, wood, or even micarta do.
 
The best examples of stag sell first, so the last few remaining are not as desirable. This may be another reason why you see them left on the shelves.
 
Jamie (blademan 13) makes a good point as to price. Stag has gone up considerably in the last few years and that is probably why knives with stag covers remain in dealers inventories so long; however, that said, a popular pattern such as the GEC #72 lockback with stag covers will fly off the shelves just as quickly as other cover materials.
 
Another person who would love to see more wood covers. I would also love to see more non-traditional covers such as micarta and especially G-10.
 
Also, G.E.C. gets their Stag from the very best supplier in the world and also gets first pick of that very best Stag.

Stag is awesome,i do love bone and wood but Stag is the pinnacle (imo) of handle material. And fetches the most money................


Natural Stag
 
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