Jigged Bone? Sambar Stag? Wood?

[Rich_SD]

When buying a traditional folding knife, I always struggle with my decision on what handle material to get.  I tend to pick wood and stag (either genuine antlers like Sambar Stag, or BoneStag if buying a Case).  Looking at pictures of traditional folders posted in this forum, it feels like jigged bone is the most popular pick here.  I was wondering, what are MTOer's favorite handle materials for traditional folders, and why?

[RF52]

Not that experienced with traditional folders, but I would go with reindeer antler

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[SteveC]

My favorites are -  Wood, Jigged bone, Stag, Micarta, Buffalo Horn

Hope that helps   

[Rich_SD]

Any particular reason you prefer those?  Looks?  Do they wear better?

The reason I usually pick wood or stag is that I think they look more "classic", but all of my oldest knives do not have wood or stag handles    

[SteveC]

Sorry Rich, I was trying to be funny.   

I like them all   

 I have so many that I rotate through I'll never wear any one out. Of all of those Micarta is going to be the most bullet proof.

[Farmer X]

 

If we're talking a Case that I plan on using extensively, I'll choose Delrin or Micarta. But bone, wood, or stag, have significantly stronger visual appeal. I'm starting to become quite fond of wood.

[Rich_SD]

Sorry Rich, I was trying to be funny.   

Whoosh, right over my head. 

    

It's obvious now that I read it again.   

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So you guys pretty much go with whatever looks nice.  Hmmm... I might have to go jigged bone this time.

[NutSAK]

I'm not that particular and own all of the above but I tend to prefer Delrin, Micarta and wood for my most-used traditionals for their durability.  There's less concern over chipping or cracking than with bone if I happen to drop them on a hard surface.

[nate j]

For visual and tactile appeal, stag is perhaps my favorite of what I would consider traditional handle materials.  But it seems like really nice stag has been difficult to come by since India restricted its export.

But when I think of the quintessential traditional pocket knife, I think of expertly done jigged bone slabs.

Composite materials like micarta and G10 offer good durability, but to me they never look as classically traditional as natural handle materials.  And when I’m really looking for maximum durability, I gravitate toward all-metal handles, e.g. Vic 93 mm series.

Stabilized wood can be a nice option, as it offers a very traditional appearance with improved durability.

[BPRoberts]

I think jigged bone is most common in my collection, followed by yellow synthetic. I was just pondering this last night. When/why did that yellow become the defacto color/material? I know Case made it the standard for their CV line, but Imperial and other companies use it too. Is yellow plastic just cheaper or something?

[dks]

It depends on what they look like. Wood can be boring plain boxwood, or interesting snakewood. And some snakewood is better than others..
Same with bone and stag and micarta...

I like natural materials but I tend to prefer man made ones on users as I do not have to worry about getting them wet (some woods) or dropping them (bone, stag).   I also go through phases, like a few years ago I was only buying stag, then it was acrylic, now it is wood with acrylic.

And lets not forget the mammoth derived covers.

[Rich_SD]

Thanks guys    I went with jigged bone (just the one that looked slightly better than the others).  I'll post a pic when it arrives 

[Rich_SD]

Here it is - blood red jigged bone.  The picture doesn't do justice to the shade of red.  Thanks for your help guys 

[Gareth]

That's one handsome knife there Rich.    A very fine choice I think. 

[Rich_SD]

Thank you    It's almost too pretty to use 

[SteveC]

Sweet 29 Rich !

Congrats 

[Rich_SD]

Thanks Steve 

[NutSAK]

 

Beautiful GEC!!  I have a 73 with that same bone & jig.

[Rich_SD]

Your picture brings out the true color better than my pic 😍 Very nice 

During the Dean 51 Challenge, you got me obsessed with the Stockman-P.  Shortly after that, I stumbled across the GEC 29... while not a Stockman-P, it has the knife combo that I liked so much.  It took me this long to pull the trigger because they're so pricey on eBay. 

[NutSAK]

Yeah, the prices are tough nowadays.    I think I'd rather have that 29 whittler than a PU stockman, really.  I love the length of the punch and sheepsfoot!  If they were on opposing ends like a typical stockman, they would be shorter.  It's definitely a sweetheart, one to really be proud of! 

I have GECs in stag, micarta, ebony, bone and Delrin, and I think the blood red bone is the most striking of all of them.  The grip that particular jigging offers is excellent for a user as well.

One of my favorite carries is a PU stockman with a Skele.  As I recall, you have quite a Skele collection. 

[Rich_SD]

Yeah, I have about 10  Skeletools   One of my most carried Leathermans is a Skeletool CX with a hammer insert, but I normally carry a Micra or Vic Ambassador with it for the scissors.

My first instinct is to check the posts here for your other GECs, but I know what that does to me... I cant resist buying knives and tools that I like    I don't even want to admit how much I have spent since I made an account here 

[NutSAK]

Yeah, I have about 10  Skeletools   One of my most carried Leathermans is a Skeletool CX with a hammer insert, but I normally carry a Micra or Vic Ambassador with it for the scissors.

I should mention that I always have a Rambler on my keys for the scissors and T&T.  So, the combo would actually be Skele, Rambler and PU Stockman.  The 58mm scissors are all I need.  I only have a couple of the original PE Skeles, but I carry one frequently, equipped with Hammer/Jammer as well.  It's a great set of tools for urban EDC!

[LoopCutter]

Late to the discussion 😉
I like awl handle materials and buy or order what looks good and catches my eye.

A recent arrival, a Custom Buck 501 in SUNSET  JIGBONE

Of course with a cup of coffee and a PST for comparison!
 

IMG_5221.jpg (Filesize: 107.8 KB)

[nate j]

Nice Buck!