Advice on first Sgian Dubh

[ChubRock]

I am thinking this might be a good first. Your Thoughts...

"The knife measures 8 inches overall with a 4 inch blade. A full tang is topped with brass butt cap. The handle is dark hardwood. A leather sheath is provided for carrying the sgian dubh."



Of course I just read a closed thread from McMurdo about wearing a bottle opener instead. Nice idea!

[NewEnglander]

You mean a sgian brew?

[Bugbear]

If you're into matching all the metal on your outfit, the brass cap might be an issue. I'm guessing it's a daywear sgian dubh.

[McMurdo]

I don't have a sgian brew as I do not drink any longer, I'd say what you have there would be great, always better to get a wood sgian than one made of plastic.

[Ryan Ross]

It's certainly an interesting and unique piece... it looks HUGE though. That handle must be about two inches wide, from the look of it. I'd tend to wonder if it would wear comfortably.

Still, it looks like a carbon steel blade, which could be good.

Are you interested in a sgian that will be a useable utility knife?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Most sgians dubh measure 6.5-6.75 inches from the top of the hilt to the point of the blade. Anything longer, or with a hilt wider than 1.125 to 1.25 inches, will not only be awkward to wear, it will most likely be too heavy to stay in place when worn in your hose top.

If you are looking for your first sgian dubh I would suggest that you stick within the guidelines given above as regards size. As to style, I would suggest that you save your pennies and buy a sgian dubh with a genuine stag horn hilt, or save a few more pennies and buy a sterling silver mounted sgian dubh. Both of these are becoming increasingly uncommon, and increasingly expensive. Think of your sgian dubh as an investment... you won't regret it.

[NewEnglander]

If you are looking for your first sgian dubh I would suggest that you stick within the guidelines given above as regards size. As to style, I would suggest that you save your pennies and buy a sgian dubh with a genuine stag horn hilt, or save a few more pennies and buy a sterling silver mounted sgian dubh. Both of these are becoming increasingly uncommon, and increasingly expensive. Think of your sgian dubh as an investment... you won't regret it.

Any recommendations of where to buy a good quality sgian from?

[Bugbear]

Any recommendations of where to buy a good quality sgian from?

The Scottish Tartans Museum has a whole bunch of sgian dubh; you might check there.

You might also check Gaelic Themes.

[CMcG]

Any recommendations of where to buy a good quality sgian from?

I have a sgian dubh from "The Real Sgian Dubh Co." and am quite pleased with it. Functional stainless steel blade, silver fittings, and black horn handle/sheath. They are available in other configurations of materials and offer tremendous value for a hand-made knife.

[Ryan Ross]

Scotia Metal Works, I believe is the company name. J. Michael McRae is the man behind the knives. That'd be my advice, if you want a good, reasonably priced piece.

I bought a very nice sgian from this fellow, a few years back. Hand forged, differentially hardened, high carbon steel blade with an ironwood hilt. It came with a razor sharp edge, and his heat treat must be good, because it keeps that edge well. The hilt had a nickel silver bolster and bit of cable work tacked down it's side. Came with a sturdy leather sheath, too. $125 and worth every penny, I thought.

Bad picture, good knife: