Skian Dubh-It-Y'Salf

**ozmeath** · 17th May 06, 09:21 AM

So here's my first go at the job. My thanks to Rab for the advice BTW.The steel is an old "Australia Shefield" No.2 file.
I've annealed and then hot forged with my torch, broad flame'd and a piece of railway track as an anvil (I promised to give it back when I was done)

In hindsight I could've cleaned the file a little better, even outsourced an acid bath beceause you can still see the file lines after plenty of hammering and filing. I figure the grooves are full of deposit and oxidation and sticks around for the ride. Then again a knife blank would be of good use as well. But me being me I love to recycle, and hate to see any potential go to waste (except my own of course!). Looking for a deer horn handle on Friday (that's Thursday my Podian counterparts). Got a $5 per horn deal from a farmer down the road in Caboolture. Will score a few I dare say.

Erin

**Panache** · 17th May 06, 09:33 AM

Ozmeath,

First a sporran, now a sgian dubh, what next? You have talent. I envision in about a year and a half from now you will be the only X Marker to have a complete formal kilt outfit who can say "oh this. I made every single thing I'm wearing...no biggie..."

Cheers

**Tartan Hiker** · 17th May 06, 09:40 AM

Good job. I've got a big file that looks like it needs to have its inner dirk revealed.

**ozmeath** · 17th May 06, 09:49 AM

Panache you had me laughing there, thanks mate. Well maybe so, and it's not a bad goal to aim for.But we'll see how she goes. Just tempered it in sump oil as you guys replied as per Rab's instructions. It's great to share the process with you fellas (all of you and you gals as well).

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

Good job. I've got a big file that looks like it needs to have its inner dirk revealed.

I'm gonna use that as a pick-up line next time I'm at the pub.

**switchblade5984** · 17th May 06, 09:52 AM

very nice!

now a write up..........

**ozmeath** · 17th May 06, 10:08 AM

And tempered..sans flash.

**angerli** · 17th May 06, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by ozmeath

Just tempered it in sump oil as you guys replied as per Rab's instructions.

Hi, Ozmeath!

I just couldn't help this: Some years back, I was an active member of the RROC (that's the USA's Rolls Royce Owner's Club). Yeah, I had a little old Bentley I'd fixed up. Anyway...one of our techies used to tell how he would temper bolts in plain ol' urine...his own, I might add! Always raised a few hoots of laughter at meets. One thing for sure, the material was dirt cheap...

Sandy

**ozmeath** · 18th May 06, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by angerli

Hi, Ozmeath!

I just couldn't help this: Some years back, I was an active member of the RROC (that's the USA's Rolls Royce Owner's Club). Yeah, I had a little old Bentley I'd fixed up. Anyway...one of our techies used to tell how he would temper bolts in plain ol' urine...his own, I might add! Always raised a few hoots of laughter at meets. One thing for sure, the material was dirt cheap...

Sandy

Oh Sandy can you imagine the smell! I thought engine oil was bad enough... But no doubt effective, and great if you're the territorial type

TechBear and Rab, those file marks are sticking around thats for sure. I've warmed to it for the same reasons really: tells a story. And it's just as well I like them because they seem to go deep, and I don't want the blade to thin. It's already only 4mm at the thickest part of the spine, near to the tang.

Rab, I think I will cast a guard and maybe pomel in silver. Need to put some thought to the design. Also need some advice on rabbet tang handle setting into deer horn. I don't have the horn yet(tomorrow) and am not sure if it's got a hollow center or if I need to halve it to cut a recess for the tang. I'd rather leave it solid if it's possible.

**BLAZN** · 23rd November 06, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

I envision in about a year and a half from now you will be the only X Marker to have a complete formal kilt outfit who can say "oh this. I made every single thing I'm wearing...no biggie..."

Cheers

I wouldn't dare take anything from Ozmeath's abilities, but I hope to eventually be in just the situation you describe. Well... except for whatever kilt hose and brogues I might be wearing at the time.

Ozmeath,
I think the file lines add a certain character to the blade. Well done.
Now... how much would shipping some of those antlers from Down Under to the far east of America set a bloke back?

**ozmeath** · 23rd November 06, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by BLAZN

I wouldn't dare take anything from Ozmeath's abilities, but I hope to eventually be in just the situation you describe. Well... except for whatever kilt hose and brogues I might be wearing at the time.

Ozmeath,
I think the file lines add a certain character to the blade. Well done.
Now... how much would shipping some of those antlers from Down Under to the far east of America set a bloke back?

Oh cheers Jim, that'd be a great situation to be in wouldn't it? I just wish I wasn't so busy (or easily distracted) and I'd further down the track! Trying to get my girlfriend into hose making though, she's only just progressed from scarves though so it may be a bit of a wait.
The antlers I think i mentioned I get for $5AUS ea, I'll ask at the post office next time I'm down there- wont tell em it's antlers tho! But was thinking there's gotta be a hell of alot more deer in your fine country than Australia. All I did was look up deer farms in the phone book. Well maybe check it out Jim for your sake as it's gotta be cheaper. If you're still in strife and your fellow contryman here can't help I send some over.

Erin.