All About Pocket Knives

I searched around a bit and couldn't find this info, forgive me if it is common knowledge...

What is the source of the stag GEC uses on their burnt stag knives? What specific type of deer is it harvested from? If it is imported, what country is it coming from?

Thanks for any info you can share on this topic...

Most likely from Sambar deer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_deer). Big deer species native to India. Used primarily because the hard, usable part of the antler is VERY thick compared to most other deer species, and for traditional reasons. While there are some herds in the US, the vast majority of Sambar antler comes from India where they are harvested from annual sheds (although some illegal poaching does happen still. It's a "vulnerable" species), although farming them takes place in a few other southeast Asian countries

Ahhh yes, the Sambar deer. I have heard of the "Sambar stag", but didn't know that is what GEC is using. I thought if it was Sambar they would utilize that terminology in their marketing....

Most makers don't make known their actual supplier, but stag slabs suitable of knives are nearly always sambar or red stag. Many factories don't label it specifically because they may use sources that don't document the exact breed or they may just take good deals when they arise. Few species have the density to make slabs as most have a large marrow / peth core.

Thanks for chiming in Mike, your input is appreciated!

This probably doesn't answer your question very well, but this is on many of the tubes for the knives handled in GEC's 'Natural Stag'.

IM

i believe that natural stag, genuine stag & burnt stag by gec is all basic sambar stag. for sure their stag dominates all other factory made knives. HiPower