Stag doesn't need stabilizing, IMO. Ren wax is a good final finish. One tip... thin the scales down more than you think you need to, from the back side. It seems like every time I try to "save the outside" I end up with a handle that's a bit too fat.

Wesley, as Jason says, no stablization needed. Jason's advice about thinning from the back side is right on. One thing, do not get it hot. Go slow and take your time when thinning it. I just give it a light sanding to 1500-2000 grit on the surface and use paste wax.

Brion

If you find more white area than you wanted use Potassium permanganate to dye it back. It will look purple till you rub it with a rag to remove the excess. The heat from rubbing will change the color to amber. It may take a few coats to achieve the appropriate color. Works well in most cases. Also works on bone and leather.

Thanks Guys!

George, I am not familiar with potassium permanganate. Could you explain to me what it is and where to find it?

I'm having trouble finding nice sambar stag scales that are 4" or longer. Any suggestions?

Hello Wes,

I am not George, but I can answer your question. Potassium permanganate is a chemical that reacts with organic material and oxidizes it. It turns any antler scales a dark brown on the outside. The stronger the solution and the longer you leave the scales in the solution the darker the scales become. Potassium permanganate can be bought from chemical places and some pharmacies might have it or could order it for you.

I use white tail sheds for handles. A lot of what I get are bleached out. I use the potassium permanganate to darken the scales to give them a more appealing look.

Note, use some thick rubber gloves. The potassium permanganate will turn your skin purplish brown. I would also suggest using safety glasses. Mix the solution in a CLEAN, I repeat CLEAN plastic container. This stuff can catch fire or possibly explode if it comes in contact with certain organic chemicals. I would store it in a dark plastic container.

I hope this helps.

Sorry I was driving to North Carolina and not on the net. You can get it at most pool supply places. They use it to shock treat pools. Sears sometimes carries it also in my area. I normally get my stag from Culpeppers. Knifehandles.com

They carry crowns also and a bunch of other hand materials. I will stopping by there again this trip. (Taking Intro again as a refresher, this time with questions)

NOTE: As Cal said potassium permanganate can be nasty. I work with it outside. I store my working solution in a 3" PVC pip container I made with a sealed toilet flange on the bottom and a clean out plug on the top. It will stain every thing it touches. I buy the purple crystals and it comes in a plastic dark container. If you get in in a plastic bag a small empty protein shake mix container makes a good storage for them.