Replacing Antique Sgian Dubh Blade

**Dram** · 16th March 10, 07:18 PM

Has anyone had a Sgian Dubh blade replaced? Who would be the best person for the job?

The blade has been damaged/altered by someone who attempted to sharpen it. I plan on trying to buff out the scratches, but if this fails I thought I might as well replace the blade.

Another question: since this is an antique would it be better to keep the blade that it has (with the damage)? Will replacing the damaged blade with a new one reduce the value of it?

Thanks

**BEEDEE** · 16th March 10, 07:20 PM

Probably the best one to answer this is Rab Gordon.

Brian

**xman** · 16th March 10, 07:24 PM

There are some pretty handy knife and blade makers and refurbishers at www.straightrazorplace.com Go and post there and I am absolutely certain you will hear from a few gents who can achieve your wildest dreams. In all seriousness.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 16th March 10, 07:55 PM

Generally speaking, replacing the blade in an antique knife of any sort will render it valueless to a collector-- I would also think that for the cost involved in properly replacing the blade in your knife you would be better off buying a new sgian dubh.

**Dram** · 16th March 10, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Generally speaking, replacing the blade in an antique knife of any sort will render it valueless to a collector-- I would also think that for the cost involved in properly replacing the blade in your knife you would be better off buying a new sgian dubh.

In that case I would just do my best to remove the blemishes by buffing the blade. The blade aside from that seems to be in good condition.

**auld argonian** · 17th March 10, 06:30 AM

Ever watch the Antiques Roadshow? Ever see one of those scenarios where they say: "But this isn't the original condition...it's been refinished. As it is, it's worth five bucks...had it not been refinished, it'd be worth a million dollars."

How much of an antique is it? You may be better off putting it aside and maybe having a replica mad for everyday use...I'd consider that the cost of having the thing taken apart and the blade replaced might not be that much less than having an entire copy made and the original preserved...a practice followed by a lot of museums. I guess that this would depend on value, whether historical or personal.

Best

AA

**davidlpope** · 17th March 10, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Dram

The blade has been damaged/altered by someone who attempted to sharpen it. I plan on trying to buff out the scratches, but if this fails I thought I might as well replace the blade.

Why do the scratches on the blade bother you? Are you planning to exhibit this item as a curio, or wear it with your highland attire? If you're planning on wearing it, then folks will likely never see the blade...

Cordially,

David

**Lallans** · 17th March 10, 07:47 AM

If it's a really old sgian, you could always consider making up some colourful story, perhaps in the form of an old legend, to explain the scratches... as per the aforementioned Antiques Road Show that would probably increase the resale value from a theoretical million to a theoretical 2 million.

But seriously re changing the blade, I support the postings that said it will trash the value. Not to mention things like the intrinsic heritage.

**auld argonian** · 17th March 10, 08:10 AM

Why not post a photo so that we can see what we're talking about?

Best

AA

**xman** · 17th March 10, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

If it's a really old sgian, you could always consider making up some colourful story, perhaps in the form of an old legend, to explain the scratches...

Oh, I like this idea. "And so it is said that when my great grandpa attempted to remove the blade from the wolf, the handle came loose which is why he had to chase the retreating beast into the den and throttle her before her own cubs to retrieve it". Too bloody?