New sgian/sporran/belt - REVIEW

[wscottmac]

I just got my new sgian dubh, sporran and belt from Mike McRae on Saturday, and man -- am I pleased!

I met Mike (J. Michael McRae of Scotia Metalwork) at the Loch Norman Games a few years back, and really admired his work. He is a very skilled metalsmith, and has BEAUTIFUL dirks, sgians, and even swords. He does a fair bit of leather work, too, and jewelry. I've always admired his Rob Roy style sporrans. To me, they're so much more practical/comfortable/classic than the mass produced, small, boxy sporrans with chain straps.
He's a very nice guy, does great work, and is pretty quick, too. I would highly recommend his services, if you're in the market.

So - REVIEW time:
THE SGIAN: absolutely perfect. I sent him a whitetail antler from our farm, and he's crafted it into a perfectly balanced, beautiful little sgian. (w/ handstiched leather sheath for only $85) Price was a little cheaper than normal because I provided the antler, and gave him a few extras for future projects. Here are the "tech specs" from Mike: "The sgian was forged by my own hand on a two hundred year (plus) old anvil. It is made of 1084 Steel. The American Iron and Steel Institute characterizes the 10xx series as "simple steels", meaning they are made up of iron and carbon and trace elements. After forging, the blade was ground and hand sanded to a state of semi-completion and then heat treated. This entails heating the blade up to around 1500-1600 degrees an then quenching it in oil. It was edge-quenched only, hence the "temper line." From the edge to the top of that line the blade is quite hard, and from that point to the back of the blade it is much softer, and therefore much more forgiving. It will hold an edge for a considerable amount of work, but when it does need to be sharpened it will not require a diamond hone to bring the edge back. Please don't be afraid of using it."



SPORRAN AND BELT: The neat thing about the sporran and belt, is that I sent him a picture of my mahoghany-brown ghillie brogues, and he dyed them to match! The sporran is soft, supple w/ plenty of room, and came w/ it's own leather strap. The belt is, well, a belt, but the brass hardware/internal adjustment straps are great. These are hand crafted - not machine-cut-out, so some cuts aren't perfectly round / straight, but that kinda adds to the handcrafted charm. And, for only $65 (sporran/strap) and $40 (belt, no buckle), quite a deal, methinks.




Check out Mike's site at www.scotiametalwork.com
He's in Mint Hill, NC (near Charlotte)

[turpin]

That's a very attractive combination of accessories. Did he have to color the antler? I like the effect and am curious how to go about producing it. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[wscottmac]

The antler was about that color (pretty dark) when I sent it to him, but he definitely spruced it up, some (as well has having to remove the brow tine). I can't even tell where the brow tine was. He must have built up/molded/colored the area. I couldn't tell you how he did it, but it looks great.

[McMurdo]

Very nice accessories, I am sure you will enjoy them all for years to come.

[BEEDEE]

Nice set - I have one of Mike's sporrans and have been lusting after one of his damascus bladed sgian dubhs. So much time, so little money is the retiree's refrain.

Brian

[wscottmac]

have been lusting after one of his damascus bladed sgian dubhs.

Ah, me, too. Sadly, I had to decline the damascus. They are GORGEOUS, but at 2x the cost.... well.... not this time

[Howard Clark]

There are lots of ways to color antler. Fiebings spirit dyes work pretty well, as does potassium permanganate, but it is more trouble to deal with, and takes longer. Careful application of a propane/air torch flame after oiling or waxing it lightly can give interesting effects, but can be over-done and bad for the antler if you get it too hot.

Nice looking stuff !