Sambar Stag vs. Elkhorn

einsteinjon

einsteinjon

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Hi all,

I have another "Custom 110" thread going here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/907317-Custom-110 but I thought this question was unique enough to start another thread...

I've decided to buy a custom 110. My question is, is there much difference in performance and look between elkhorn and sambar stag? Specifically, after searching this forum, I learned when I call Buck I want to ask for it "barky" based on the look I want. Seeing some of the pics around here, the look of the "barky" elkhorn can be just as pleasing as "barky" sambar stag.

Essentially what it boils down to is if the sambar stag is just harder to come by and that's why it costs $60 more, I'd likely go with elkhorn. Anything else to look out for or consider?

Thank you!!!
 
Sambar Stag tends to have a harder white core.
Elk antler will have a softer gray core.

When the scales are shaped with stag it will show the white core where ground to shape.
With elk it will have a thinner white area before going to a porous gray area.
 
The handle options I see at the Buck custom site are water buffalo horn and cherry wood.

Where is this Stag option you speak of?
 
Give the 110 folks a chance to get on here and show you some stag 110s as examples. My sambar 300s are mostly 'deeply' grooved and I would assume this is the meaning of 'barky'. Elk is less so and tends to be lighter in color and less grooved in 300 series knives.

Some of what is 'barky' sambar leaves deep grooving in the scale right up to the bolster edge on the smaller 300 folders. I don't particully like that. I like stag to be smooth and flush at the bolster edge but that is hard to do in the thin and short scales on 300 series knives. 110s give you a bigger playing field and tolerates a thicker scale.

The knife on the left looks more like elk than stag, to me. The other knives are all grooved deep enough that they reach the edge of my personal happy limit. Especially, the right side 303 and 309 and the bottom 305. You can see the bolster is even polished off a litte in the big groove on the 301.
StagsetA.jpg


No, I do not want to send them to anyone else who likes that sort of thing....

Here is what I consider normal 300series stag scales and the 309 is scaled in elk, which is light and not a uncommon Buck elk scale look.

Stagphoto.jpg


But wait to see the 110 guys pictures and opinions
300Bucks
 
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Hi Jon,

One of my favorite handle materials is stag. I do like a colorful ruff bark and that can be a difficult request to have filled. Stag material is natural and comes in many variations, form almost a smooth bone look, to the ruff bark, and everything in between. Some times what you want and what is available at the time of ordering may not match your ideal knife. I'll post two Elk stag knives and two Sambar stag knives for your enjoyment.....you can find very nice bark on Elk as well as Sambar. Most stag handles are not as nice and barky as these. But, they can be made/found......your mileage may vary!

Sambar stag
IMG_3354.jpg

IMG_3345.jpg

AGStag2.jpg

AGStag1.jpg


Elk Stag
IMG_3237.jpg

IMG_3238.jpg

IMG_3243.jpg

IMG_6866.jpg

IMG_6868.jpg

jb4570
 
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300bucks and jb have it all laid out very well with great pics. But, jb's elk example above is exceptionally good (and barky). I haven't seen too many elk scales from Buck that look better than that. To me, sambar is going to look creamy yellow and black compared to elk's nearly white and brown.
 
There is also the question of hardness and density. Sambar Stag is generally harder and more dense, thus the reason for it's choice in handgun handles. It can take more impact. For most knife purposes this may not be important. Elk has a warmer feel. But there is a reason for Sambar stag being sought after, even before the embargo was placed as a result of its high demand (illegal poaching). Sambar stag is considered the best antler material.
 
Sounds like I may as well try for sambar stag, unless Buck has a better color in elk available for me.
 
Yes, I agree w/ the differences put forth here. Dang, JB, those are handsome Elk antler models. Mine is mostly white to bone colored. DM
 
2TONYB said:
300bucks and jb have it all laid out very well with great pics. But, jb's elk example above is exceptionally good (and barky). I haven't seen too many elk scales from Buck that look better than that. To me, sambar is going to look creamy yellow and black compared to elk's nearly white and brown.
Click to expand...

That is true.
Most of my Elk looks like this
196194BPAlphas.jpg

111500WildBill.jpg


Most of my Sambar looks like this
IMG_6218.jpg

Droppoint110.jpg

Droppoint1102.jpg

112ST1.jpg

112ST2.jpg

jb4570
 
Thanks Guys,

But, the photo's are to show that most of the current Sambar stag is not that different color wise than Elk. It has more groves and a ruffer surface, that said $80 for Elk scales or $144 for Sambar scales.....to each his own;).
jb4570
 
Nice knives JB. I have sag and I love 'em. That said, I have always wondered about the elk from the custom shop. What do the knives look like from the top? Any of the inner porous part visible?
 
Jeff O said:
Nice knives JB. I have sag and I love 'em. That said, I have always wondered about the elk from the custom shop. What do the knives look like from the top? Any of the inner porous part visible?
Click to expand...

here you go Jeff O,

Elk top's
111500Backs.jpg

Sambar top's
112ST3.jpg

jb4570
 
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