One thing Ive discovered while trying to salvage some poor quality stag.
I soaked in Minnwax wood hardener over night then let dry. This seemed to "stabilize" the poor stag, but not so much in the way we think of "Stabilized" material. What it did do was seal it nicely, and provides some level of protection to the stag.
Here is what I do:
Put stag in fruit jar, fill jar to brim with the wood hardener. Attache lid, let soak ( I do 3 days don't know if it matters or not though) Take it out and allow to drain. I then put back in my drying cabinet for a week or so. Fit up handle as normal, then buff with loose linen wheel with white or no scratch pink.
In my opinion, the finish I get is worth the effort. Now what I do, is if I buy any stag, Ill treat it first then put it in the dry closet till I need it.
God Bless
Mike