Selecting Stag on traditionals...

[black mamba]

I like stag that is well matched from side to side, with lots of character and proper thickness. Character can be popcorn or groovy texture, nice color, and from end to end of the cover. Whatever character is on one cover should be on the other. I don't care for groovy on one side and popcorn on the other. And proper thickness is medium to thin, not much wider than the bolsters. I love good stag, but would rather have bone or wood than mediocre stag.

 

[Arathol]

I'm wondering if ease of shield install was the determining factor for gnarly vs. smooth sides or if it had something to do with single sided photos in sales literature.

Usually the shield is on the gnarly side. Maybe for pictures, maybe because of availability, but most likely for ease of use. Holding the knife in your right hand, the smoother side is in contact with the skin, the thumb has grip on the gnarly bits on the other side. In other words, you can grip the knife without getting poked.

 

[kamagong]

Usually the shield is on the gnarly side. Maybe for pictures, maybe because of availability, but most likely for ease of use. Holding the knife in your right hand, the smoother side is in contact with the skin, the thumb has grip on the gnarly bits on the other side. In other words, you can grip the knife without getting poked.

That might be the way GEC does things, but it hasn't always been like that.

https://bladeforums.com/threads/why-is-the-pile-side-stag-better-looking.949622/

 

[Arathol]

That might be the way GEC does things, but it hasn't always been like that.

Wasn't referring to GEC, but to some older European knives I have seen. The Weidmannsheil folder shown above is one such knife with rough side out, smooth side in.
It seems that today most knives like this are made for looks, when years ago they were made to work. Matching scales may be pretty, but if they are real gnarly your hand is going to take a beating from the inside scale when you use the knife hard.
I would refer you to this, from the link you posted, post # 8-
https://bladeforums.com/threads/why-is-the-pile-side-stag-better-looking.949622/#post-10794604
and # 14
https://bladeforums.com/threads/why-is-the-pile-side-stag-better-looking.949622/#post-10796404

 

[johnny twoshoes]

The opinions on stag seem to vary more than the actual antler itself, it’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

I wouldn’t say that there is a certain characteristic that I seek out when on the hunt for stag, but when you have the ability to view many options, or better yet handle them in person then I find it very easy to make my selection.

If I’m online then it’s all about the initial reaction when I see the knife, if I’m not “wowed” then I keep looking, as unique as stag is at times I look for something even more different then the previous until I’m hit with that certain feeling of awe. Not very often do I worry if it’s fat stag, not when buying online anyhow.

When in person with the knife, I still rely on that wow factor, but how it fits my hand is huge. Having the swelled side, or thicker side be on the mark side doesn’t thrill me, as a right handed person I like the swell to fill my palm.

The natural texture of stag is one of the reasons I love it, even when the mark side is popcorn and the pile side is full of flowing deep ravines there is still a certain stag feel that doesn’t change. It’s hard to explain.

Also the way stag ages has an affect on my appreciation for certain characteristics, for instance this #73L...

Initially I loved the deep crevasse on the mark side.


The slight peaks of burnt stag like a mountainess ridge in full autum flair.

After years of use and campfire contemplations I’ve come to appreciate the pile side even more than the mark.

The dark burns have mellowed and now allow the natural earthy tones to stand out, emphasizing the small veins of stag standing out from the main beam.


The small knowl just below the bolster draws attention from my thumb as I turn it into a worry stone.



Overall stag gets better with age.

 

[johnny twoshoes]

The color is also a factor, but to a much lesser extent. Burnt stag has certain qualities that are a given, but the color that lies in the heart of the stag varies quite nicely.

Chocolatey, muddy undertones.

Tan, yellowish hues that most stag will adopt with use, but some of mine have come with it.

A muted red, almost burnt orange type color in the depth of the stag.

 

[sceva]

Good color and fairly matched for look and thickness. NO or in the case of larger fixed blades Very little pith showing. I like it creamy to a little darker , almost oiled looking.
Not as much a fan of Burnt Stag - especially if it has the orangey look common to it. I believe that the burning damages the stag.

 

[Will Power]

Some of it depends on the pattern. If it's Barehead, I want grooves or ridges to the end. The Forum Knife 14 would've been fantastic as Barehead.. Don't mind mismatched provided BOTH sides are attractive, that actually enhances the appeal. Ideally, grooves should go into the bolster and not ground off, but that's asking a lot.

Popcorn yet thin panel gets my vote, don't like bloated slabs on a pocket-knife but it's comfortable for fixed. I just enthuse about the difference of Stag, no two alike!

Thanks, Will

 

[lamco3]

I'm a big fan of stag... My prefrence is slabs that show a lot of white to contrast the texture...

 

[3-1-1]

Looking for it to be well-matched, with some good "popcorn."

 

[oldtymer]

I got to pick fairly early from the latest release of 66's this one checked almost all the boxes for me

This one has been one of my favorites since I purchased it. You are probably getting tired of seeing it as it gets posted often.

 

[black mamba]

Sceva, your forum knife is just about perfect!
Here is a prime example of well matched, proper thickness stag, with lots of character.

 

[Will Power]

Spot on that one Jeff Beautiful example

 

[kamagong]

It's missing a shield though.

 

[black mamba]

Which one would suit it the best?

 

[Will Power]

It's missing a shield though.

Well no doubt the customer specified this...unlike GEC's flunking out of putting shields on Stags couple of years ago All knives are equal but some knives have more equal shields than others...

 

[kamagong]

Which one would suit it the best?

The one you like. It's your knife.

 

[waynorth]

Stag Heaven!! I love full texture; bolster to bolster!!
But, is this Stag??

 

[paulhilborn]

Stag Heaven!! I love full texture; bolster to bolster!!View attachment 831677 View attachment 831678
But, is this Stag??

NICE Charlie, if we "press on" we may find the answer???

 

[kamagong]

Stag Heaven!! I love full texture; bolster to bolster!!

Maybe get rid of the bolster altogether.

A thought came to me just now. Whatever one likes, whether it's popcorn or deep grooves, the stag has to fit the knife. This is my favorite stag covered knife. It had that wow factor that johnny mentioned above.

As much as I like them though the stag covers wouldn't fit on the pen knife pictured above. The figure is too large and would look out of place on such a diminutive pattern.