Hello all I was just wondering who here has and uses stag/antler handled knives to skin game. I bought a nice looking stag handled knife, it's a new knife company by a brand named Joker, it is made in Spain. It is a beautiful knife and I was thinking of using it for skinning and quartering deer this season, but when I mention this to my friend he stated that it was too nice of a knife to use and that using it could ruin the antler handle by getting it bloody and such. Now, I don't really know about that as I have never used a stag handled knife before to skin game but I can see that the antler handle can be stained or ruined by blood but on the other hand I know that the material has to be pretty tough as deer and elk use their headgear for protection and to fight and so fourth, not to mention that it stand up to the elements and weather.....lol so I was just seeing as to how many on here use stag handled knives and how do they hold up to the task of skinning and cleaning game, and as always your insight, opinions, and experiences are always appreciated and welcomed.

use it

I'm thinking on it, it's too nice of a nice to just be kept babied and hidden....Thank you for your response.

I vote for using it. What good is it if you hide it in a drawer or safe?

Been using this one to gut/skin deer for over 20 years...

I have an elk antler knife that gets very bloody, and the blood comes right off.

My favorite handle material.... Well next to Ivory!

Oh yea, and they hold up just fine. Thats a good lookin cutter.

Have served me well for decades.

Use it…!

They are tools made to be used. They clean up just fine with water and soap. Dry them off good and finish up with some Rem oil and they look the same.

Thanks to all who replied, those that posted pics, i have to say you all have very beautiful knives. Thanks for sharing pic of them. I think I will use mine. I agree with cowdoc, and I've often thought that myself what's the use of having one if it's only going to be hidden in a safe and put away..

A knife or gun that's too pretty to use hasn't much value, IMO. I have several stag handle knives, and I use them all.

Amen...

Yep. use it. Ive got a Model 7 Randall with a stag handle Ive been using for 43 years, and a Puma folder with stag that sees some use as well. As mentioned, they are made to be used....

. This for sure

If ya buy em , then use em . I use a stag handle that I got as a gift , works good for years now

Flintknapper nice knifes

OK...here comes a couple...


Puma about to dress a bunny...




Randall about to dissect a freezer pleaser...

It's a Jimmy Lile "Dot" knife. (Made by his craftsmen shortly after he passed away) It is called "Big 7 Dropped Point Hunter". This is a reply to Bradtown.