Child's sgian dubh

[Laird_M]

Tried searching both the forum and the web but couldn't find the answer.

My eldest came across my wood carving tools last night and has asked me to make him a rope twist wooden sgian whilst we're in Scotland next month.

What sort of size should it be?
I've looked at various shop sites, but they just say 'child size' and don't give any idea of the actual dimensions...

At this rate I'm gonna have to give up working and spend all my time carving, sewing and leather working...

[David Thorpe]

You didn't say how old (or big) your "eldest" is.
I'm working on outfitting my 10-year-old great-nephew. His sgian dubh will have a standard size blade with an antler crown handle on the smaller side.
Good on you for building your son's sgian dubh! It will be much more meaningful to both of you.

[Laird_M]

Sorry, blame it on too much work and not enough sleep.

He's also 10. The blade will be wooden and possibly carved as a whole, depending on how difficult it is - haven't done any carving for way too long...

[Chas]

Your wish, is our command.

This is a standard boy's sgian as sold by most outlets -



Without sheath -



Back view (leg side) -



Side view -



Close up of handle -



The blade is sold unsharpened, but would not take more than a fer minutes to put an edge on. The handle is real stag antler with a black horn cap.

I will bring it with me to Harpenden, so you can get a good look.

Regards

Chas

[georgeetta]

no sharper than to carve a PBJ or fluffer nutter ..or spread marmalade on a thompsons roll --or a rowie who's fae Aberdeen ?!?!?!? -buttered sunday morning ..essentially the opertaing end of a tabelspoon and that's all or a soda bottle opener -in case of emergency .
12 is pocketknife time .
th
d

[Laird_M]

Thanks Chas. I'll start drafting some plans using the above to scale my one down.
Hopefully it'll be dry for Sunday...