Distinguishing between faux stag and real stag

[Bartlow]

Here are three pictures of two different knives. The bottom one is what looks to me like genuine stag scales, i.e. made from the horn of some kind of deer animal species. The top one looks totally different, so I assume it is made out of some kind of manmade plastic, colored and textured to bear a passing resemblance to stag. In particular the color and thickness of the top scales is very uniform, which is very different from the bottom one. The uniform color of the top scales is a whitish yellow which is different than the colors in the bottom one.

Assuming the top knife (the lever lock) is in fact scaled with faux stag, is there anything wrong or inauthentic about changing them to something that is in my opinion less ugly? Probably not stag or another real horn, but a micarta or acrylic product.

[Tom19176]

First, there are a few things that tell what is real and what is not in these handles. The top one is imitation stag for sure. Pattern, color clean side and end of handles with no grain as seen in the stilettos stag....As to whether or not you should change the handles, it would hurt the collectors value but otherwise nothing else is wrong with the idea.

[JulesVane]

I have a 1960’s Jndiana shell puller lever lock that has the faux stag scales on it as well. The front doesn’t look bad, but the back scale is tough to enjoy. I’ve left it alone because of it being an older piece. But, I can’t say I’m a fan of it. So, I do understand you considering a swap. The left-handed stiletto is pretty cool.

[Bartlow]

I have a 1960’s Jndiana shell puller lever lock that has the faux stag scales on it as well. The front doesn’t look bad, but the back scale is tough to enjoy. I’ve left it alone because of it being an older piece. But, I can’t say I’m a fan of it. So, I do understand you considering a swap. The left-handed stiletto is pretty cool.

The lever lock has no markings that I see, I'm assuming it's German by its design, but I suppose it could be Italian or something too. I really have no idea. I guess I wasn't thinking that it had any age at all, but maybe it does.

The stiletto is a left handed one by Frank Beltrame. One of the ones they made in the early 2000's I think. It is a very nice knife. It has good looking stag and works great. Whoever assembled it did a good job. Quality varies with handmade stilettos. This one is quite nice, thanks for noticing it!

[JulesVane]

I'm fairly sure your leverlock is Italian. If resale value is your concern about changing the scales, I suppose you could always save these originals to include to a new buyer. But, as far as changing them to something you enjoy better, I'm all for it, myself. I can't think of them using faux stag for quite some time, and not even sure why they ever used it at all.

[Bill DeShivs]

Your stiletto was made by Bonsa in Solingen.
Most of Bonsa's leverlocks with plastic handles used celluloid. You can tell by rubbing the side of the handle briskly with coarse cloth. If it smells like camphor, it is celluloid.
In my opinion, unless the knife is an extremely rare collectible in great condition, it is acceptable to rehandle a knife of this type with appropriate material.

[JulesVane]

I would have wagered they were both Italian. So, I'll stick to scratch-off tickets to gamble on!

[Bill DeShivs]

JulesVane-
Just learn from it.
That's a classic lower-end Bonsa with steel liners. Note the bolsters are solid and made of nickel silver.
The rounded rear bolster is always a dead giveaway for Bonsa.

[Bill DeShivs]

Oh- and the original question' distinguishing fake stag from real.

Real stag and bone both have little lines in them that nerves ran through. They are called "Haversian canals".

[Tom19176]

Thanks for the term "Haversian Canals" as now I know what to call them! That is what I was referring to in my response above.....