Sgian Dubh fittings

[berserkbishop]

This is a question for all the members of our forum that have made or make sgian dubhs. Being that it is deer season, I have recently acquired a deer antler shed from one of my friends. I plan to use some of the antler to make buttons and decoration for my berserk sporran but I have a few lengths that I would like to you to make a dubh for my brother and I. My question is this, aside from pouring a pewter bolster, where do you go to get fittings. I often see little silver button looking things or clan crests layed into the end of the handle and wonder where you buy such things. Also, what are your recommendations on a blade. Looking for affordable Damascus really, but I am open to anything. Thanks.

Bishop

[James MacMillan]

My first sgian dubh, which I must have made over 40 years ago, I just used a piece of antler. It's the second from the left here.

It still is a very useful blade. You don't have to get all fancy to make a good knife.

[Panache]

BB,

Here is a thread with lots of pictures about how I did my first antler crown sgian dubh. It isn't perfect my any means but it will give you a basic idea and you can go from there:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...x.html?t=20820


I get my blades from Atlanta Cutlery and have been pleased with the quality of the blades for a pretty reasonable price:

http://www.atlantacutlery.com/atlantacutlery/

You don't need a bolster for an antler handled sgian dubh, here is a recent one I made for Colin:



But do save the rest of the antler because it makes great bolster material. Also this is your blade so feel free to have fun and come up with a design that works for you. These may not be traditionally styled sgian dubhs or dirks but I like them and to me that is all that matters.







I look forward to seeing your knife!

Cheers

Jamie

[Panache]

As for Celtic buttons, try your nearest fabric store! They carry them. For a clan crest badge I would look either a kiltpin or tie tack that you can incorporate into the handle. I don't think that an antler crown sgian dubh needs one personally. The buttons tend to be used for antler handled knifes that don't have the antler's corona.

Cheers

Jamie

[Rab Gordon]

I usually just use wood for the ends of my Antler handles.
Here are a couple of recent ones which use bog oak secured with studs.





Rab

[Panache]

Great, now I'm going to have to edit out my pictures now...



Cheers

Jamie

[berserkbishop]

Thanks guys. I am always one to dress things up more than need be so I am going to try to get as many shiny parts on my handle as I possibly can without making it look gaudy. Thanks for the advice on buttons. . . I need to hit up a Joannes. Admittedly I know nothing about sewing (besides stitching leather) and nearly faint when I get anywhere near a fabric store. (I have wonderful friends that know how to sew or I might have to learn myself). Oh, and I dont have the corona for the handle, it was too close to a little antler "off shoot" to be really useful, o so I think, so I am going to use it as a button on the berserk sporran. Anyway, gotta get a few spare bucks put together for a blade, christmas makes my wallet cry.

Bishop