Why stag?

I have one knife with stag bone and though it is a "safe queen" if you will, I love the feel and look of it. Its a Damascus double edged knife, 6 inch blade. Its not really practical for regular use, just looks cool. I've used all sorts of knife grips (zytel, kraton, g10, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc) and I like the feel of stag bone best. As said above, its the antithesis of tactical.
 
Let's remember that stag bone is actually cow bone that has been worked over with a router to look like stag.

Stag has withstood the test of time.
It provides a good grip, is relatively stable, easy to work but still long lasting.
And on top of that it is pretty.

What's not to like?
:D
 
Sheep horn smell? Personally I love the smell of sheep horn while working it, I do not know where the claim of a bad smell came from. Sheep horn dust is not toxic unless the worker is allergic to wool, I do not know anyone who is allegic to wool, but there are probably some who are.

Antler or bone and many of the woods and synthetics can be deadly when the dust is in the air, I am allergic to Iron Wood and can not work with it, but still love it as a handle material. This does not mean these materials are not safe when precautions are taken while working them. I do remember an article about a man who died of anthrax after working some ivory years ago.
 
I personally like it because each piece is unique, as opposed to mass generated g10 or micarta. For my use, it is more than durable enough.
 
Ed Fowler said:
Sheep horn smell? Personally I love the smell of sheep horn while working it, I do not know where the claim of a bad smell came from. Sheep horn dust is not toxic unless the worker is allergic to wool, I do not know anyone who is allegic to wool, but there are probably some who are.

Antler or bone and many of the woods and synthetics can be deadly when the dust is in the air, I am allergic to Iron Wood and can not work with it, but still love it as a handle material. This does not mean these materials are not safe when precautions are taken while working them. I do remember an article about a man who died of anthrax after working some ivory years ago.
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Hi Ed

The smell from freshly sanded antler, keeps the family out of my workshop, but I like the material too much to mind the smell.

I'm a great admirer of Your Henry Huber knife and that one sure testifies the longevity of antlerhandles!


Regards
Mikael
 
I like stag. It looks good, it feels good in the hand, and it is a solid handle material. I have several and love each one.

P1010370.jpg
 
A stag handle is the original tactical!!!
Strong, and if gnarly offers excellent grip. Look at all the classic bowies with stag handles.
 
Thanks Mikael, that antler handle fits me like a glove. And it is my favorite of all my old ones.

Much depends on the man who works the stag or antler, some can develop a beautiful and comfortable handle out of material that at first looks impossible for use as a handle, they are true artists.
 
Ed, It's nice that you have showed that one!
It's interesting to study the originals from that era.
I also like the knives by Frederick Hassam, but so far only from pictures as the originals are somewhat lacking in the North of Europe. :D


Regards
Mikael
 
stag.jpg

Stag is beautiful, timeless, functional and amazing when properly executed.

stag.jpg
 
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