sgian dubh

[1mason]

I am trying to choose which sgian dubh I want. i have narrowed it down to a black & pewter dress style but there are so many and with such a price variance. Is price a determining factor? I like one for $189.00 but is it that much better than one for $49.00?
Finally does anyone have a site in mind I can further my quest?

[piperdbh]

Whichever one you like and can afford is the one you should get. However, a sgian dubh does not necessarily have to be bought from a company or website and have the label of "sgian dubh". An antler- or bone-handled knife from the local flea market will work perfectly well, as will one of the pieces of artwork created by some of the craftsmen on XMarks. Don't forget about ebay!

[BCTrucker]

better than 90% of the time the price will definatley dictate the quality, similar idea to if you buy a 20 thousand dollar car as opposed to a 60 thousand dollar car, usually the car for 60 grand is priced that way for a reason.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Generally speaking Fit, Finish, and Function determine the cost (as opposed to the value) of any knife or gun. If you are spending close to $200 for a sgian dubh, you should be getting a very good knife.

Were it me, I'd consider spending a few more dollars and look for something with silver, as opposed to pewter, fittings. A sgian dubh with silver fittings will always be a better long term investment than one with pewter or chrome fittings and a fake "jewel" in the handle.

[MacMillans son]

Lochness Origins has some beautiful customs (with prices to match)

Keltoi has a good selection of nice looking, but less expensive models. Their wood and antler handled models appear to be an especially good value.

Happy hunting!

[ShaunMaxwell]

If you're price range is $189 or so, you can easily have something custom made.

I'm not sure exactly what level of formality you're after, but I've had good luck with both of these knifemakers:

http://www.angelfire.com/my/wisecust.../4Gallery.html
(See photo at bottom of page.)

My review here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...an-dubh-59343/

http://www.adriaangerberknives.com/

My review here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...eb-kilt-55158/

Good luck to you and let us know what you end up with.

[1mason]

Thank you all for your councel, I have made an executive decision. I have incorporated all your feedback and ended up with this:
I have gone with custom made by James Young at Comrie.
It is African Blackwood with bogwood trim and has a silver end cap and celtic cross inset into the handle, and if that doesn't sound grand enough, the blade is damascus steel. Suprisingly, I got this for the same prioce I was originally going to spend. Pics to follow
Many thanks to all

[artificer]

Ohhh, sounds lovely!

Please DO make sure to follow up with pix

[Micric]

1Mason,

Will the blade be hard enough to be useable? I know quite a lot of damascus these days is purely decorative, and rather too soft.
Just a caution, as I don't know the maker!
Look forward to seeing the finish'd product!!

R.

[1mason]

I e-mailed Jim at Comrie Crafts and asked him if I could put an edge on the blade without ruining its finish. He assured me that it will arrive with a "decent edge"to it. He reminded me though that the Sgian Dubh is a dagger not to be confused with a hunting type of knife. That being said, I cannot wait to actually hold this new prize
This link shows essentially what I am getting.

http://www.boldblades.com/newproducts.htm