toasting stag

[sextonknifeworks]

what is the best technique for toasting stag, I have tried with pretty good success but my stuff usually turns out brownish instead of the nice gold color that you see on Case, Queen and USA Schrades. Could it be the propane gas that i am using? Do I need a different gas?

[Owd Wullie]

Might try an oxy-acetylene torch with a welding tip. Runs a hotter flame and has a more concentrated heat zone. I'd try it on some junk pieces first, and see if you can find a way to make it work for ya.

I used to make deer antler smoking pipes and I charred the bowls with a acetylene torch.

[muskrat man]

you want a low flame on a propane torch. Keep the flame low and where the tip is not quite touching the stag. This is a slower process but will result in he light gold color that you desire. It's also important not to get the stag too hot or it will arp and/or shrink. I've personally had more issues with warpage than shrinkage. So just keep the flame moving, heck, I reckon I could do a little how-to video if there are enough parties interested.

I've also moved this post over to a more approprite forum. Thanks!

[Darksev]

ditto what MM said. I have experienced the warping issues due to heat, not fun. nothing like starting over

[woseyjales]

Thanks for the helpful hints gentlemen.
Sounds like I better give up on doing them in the toaster.
Couldn't decide what the best setting would be anyway.

[knifemaker3]

I've also seen some custom makers use black and brown shoe polish to help color it. Even boiling the stag in brown leather dye and then using dark shoe polish and buffing it off leaving the grooves a darker color.

I've always used a propane torch to color my stag.

Good Luck!

[sextonknifeworks]

hey MM, I would be very interested in a video of this procedure

[88case]

Like Muskrat Man I use a small propane tank and technique is the same. But here is the TRICK I have found gives you the "shine" or golden appearance. As soon as you take the flame of the stag spray it with WD40. It soaks into the stag and gives it that shiney appearance. Must do it while the stag is hot. Works great.