I picked up these beautiful vintage Sambar stag stocks for my inherited 10-5. The patina is amazing. A beautiful yellowing and the wear is so soft in the palm.
I am curious to know how stag grips are cared for since they are quite porous? Is there a way to condition them?

I use food grade mineral oil and lightly coat with my finger tip. I don't use enough to saturate but enough to let the bone moisten itself. Beware if the bone is pithy the oil will darken it a bit. Full disclosure, I'm no expert.

I've heard and used mineral oil. Some will cringe but I did clean mine. Just shot my one pair yesterday. I've added a grip adapter as well as my Sambar's are substantially thick.

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I have 2 sets of Sambars. One I bought in 1973, and the other in 2003. Both came with the guns.

I shoot both guns semi-regularly, and of course have cleaned the guns many times. However, I have never even touched the grips, except to maybe wipe off some Hoppes after cleaning.

What should I do now?

I am going to try a light coat of food grade mineral oil and see if they soak it up of if it beads up. That should tell me how dry they are

Would Mineral oil also work on antique bone?
I have an old pair of Bison bone grips on an old Colt saa.

I've put mineral oil on mine several times. I rub it in as best can and wipe it off. Have no idea what to use on bone.

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There’s a maker of walrus ivory and mammoth ivory grips that recommends Renaissance Wax. I’ve used it on mine and have no complaints. I understand it’s recommended for this sort of thing and is used by museums. I have read many posts from gun collectors that put a thin layer on their firearms, even blued metal to protect them. Many folks swear by it.

I have 3 or 4 pair of Sambar and Stag and some other of pearl that I use the wax on with no problems.

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Those grips look great on that m 10-5, Matt!

Blonde on blue!

Somewhere in this thread, or an accompanying link, I read of a recommendation for micro-crystalline wax which is exactly what Renaissance Wax is......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

I use Rennaisance Wax on mine; if it doesn't work out some far in the future day, I won't be around to listen to someone whine about how a previous owner didn't care for his stuff.

These are both from the late Roy Fishpaw on 2001-ish Heritage models 1917 and 15. Ignore that pedestrian tree stuff on the model 24.

I buy a small bottle of unscented baby oil ( mineral oil) from Dollar Tree. I have 2 sets of stag and a couple knives. A light coat occasionally, let sit then wipe off access. $1.25 bottle will last forever.

I too use Renaissance Wax pretty much on everything.

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Pass it on.
Mark

We used to have sambar grips, but on Randall knives, gone now, but they have been passed on to nieces and nephews. Keeping the family tradition going.

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KM
S&WCA 3110 S&WHF 625

sambar stag has always been my favorite grip material since the early 1980s when new sets were $35 from Melvin Tyler. Luckily I still have most of them. I have never put any oil on them ever, but I live in pretty much great climate.

Sambar stag antler is bone so cow bone, usually shin bone, is the same and very stable if not subjected to the elements or stored outdoors. I have a lot of stag grips and knife handles I’ve had for over 60 years and never treated with anything. They are the same as when I got them; always stored indoors or in my safe.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I use food grade mineral oil on many different materials for my restoration projects...butcher blocks and cutting boards, meat cleaver handles and blades, and the antler materials on my knives' scales and revolver's stocks. The Cattaraugus hunting knife with the pinned stag scales has been in my family since around 1900. I have a few Wm. Beatty & Son cleavers like the large one shown here...all are pre-Civil War or Civil War era. The butcher block is mid-1950s. All have benefited from the application of mineral oil. It's outstanding for moisturizing and rust prevention.

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OMG Mark, those are spectacular! To me, the best of the best, like yours, have “popcorn” in the pattern. Your grips not only have it, but are covered with it in the perfect way. I have a couple of questions. First is the other side as amazing as the side you have pictured? Do you know when they were made and by whom?
Larry

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I have two nice sets of Eagle Sambar Stag both of which I picked up used. Also a pair of Grasshorn Elk and 3 pairs of BigMtnMan Elk. I never thought they needed maintenance. I have both food grade mineral oil and Renisanance wax. Thanks for the tips.
The grips are being treated with mineral oil now focusing on the inside of the panels.

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