Sgian dhu II

[David Thornton]

I am looking to purchase my first, Kim said no more kilts not no more kilt stuff.
I like stag handle, I really like damscus blades. Function is not important, I don't think, as I don't get into bar fights, I have fillet knives, skinners and all the kitchen utensils I need. But it can't be a toy either.
I also like some of the carved handles I have seen.
So here is what I need from you good men, and ladies if you chose to participate. Where would you go, specifically, or wher did you buy that you were happy with? Is anyone here looking for a project?
And do I need one for day & one for dress?
Thanks
David

[Tartan Hiker]

If you're looking to buy a finished piece or a damascus blade to do it yourself you'll find no finer than Rab Gordon's.

http://www.rainnea.com

I'm still a relative newbie, but I think that a dark wood handle would be appropriate for either casual or dress.

[Richland]

I too like the look of one on my calf. it completes the ensemble. Unfortunately the knife can get you in more trouble than it is worth.
I would like to see a tool that looks like a trad Dub on top. But is a Bottle Opener,some other usefull tool hidden in the sheath.
Has anyone seen one? Or is anyone in the business to make one?

[sully]

Rab Gordon also offers bottle opener sgian dubhs using the same handles as his traditional ones.

http://www.rainnea.com/safety-sgian-dubhs

[Big Dave]

Rab Gordon also offers bottle opener sgian dubhs using the same handles as his traditional ones.

http://www.rainnea.com/safety-sgian-dubhs

I have to get me one of those bottle openers.

[philbo]

I just purchased a sgian dubh from the BudK Catalog. The selection isn't the greatest, but the prices are rather good. www.budk.com

That bottle opener though, I think I need one of those too...

[NewKilt]

David,

I put quite a bit of thought into the purchase of my first sgian dubh. I wanted something that looked conservative, simple, yet elegant - something for daywear, yet something that could also be worn for dress occasions. I finally decided on the Torridon Sgian Dubh from the Scottish Tartans Museum. I am well satisfied with my purchase, and would indeed wear it for dress as well as daywear. The following is a description from the Scottish Tartans Museum followed by the URL:

"The Torridon is a quality daywear sgian dubh that is also suitable for dress occasions. It has a real blackwood handle, the same wood used to make the finer bagpipes. It has highly polished pewter mounts and a quality leather hide sheath. It represents excellent value for money for a knife of this quality."

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/blackknife.html

The sheath is plain black with a Celtic knot type embossment. Cost is $53, and sales help support the museum.

Darrell

[billmcc]

I don't bother with a Sgain Dhu for day wear. As Richland stated, openly carrying a knife could be troublesome. Furthermore, a pocket knife is more practical.

I think a Sgain Dhu is more appropriate as a formal accessory. If you want something really nice, go with Rab Gordon. If you are looking for a stock item, check out the good selection of knives at the Scottish Tartans Museum.

[cavscout]

Track of the Wolf has a nice blade for a nice price.

[Mike S]

I have to chime in here:
Be fore warned that the Sgian Track of the Wolf is selling is a real P.O.S., made in India with deplorable materials/workmanship.
I bought one on a whim to use the blade and scabbard with a nice piece of Stag horn I had for the handle, and ended up replacing just about everything on it. Granted I already have 4 Sgians, but that is beside the point(pardon the pun).

The blade is low grade steel and hasn't been tempered/hardened properly, making it very bendable and unable to hold a keen edge. The fittings aren't Nickel Silver as advertised, but Rhodium plated brass, which flakes off if you so much as look at it too strongly. The fit and finish is really bad, they obviously picked one in a hundred to photograph for the ad.

If you are hell bent on getting this model, Dixie Gun Works in Union City Tenn has the exact same Sgian on sale right now for $9.95 (check out their web sight). For $35.00 Atlanta Cutlery/Museum Replicas sells a nice Ebony handled model made by Windless Steelcraft (still Indian made, but far better quality) that is much better all around for the money.