Looking to tweak the sgian dubh

**Drac** · 11th October 10, 08:47 AM

Good day all,

I've done about 3 of the full tang sgian dubhs and am looking to tweak the look in.

The orginal design had a raised carved surface and a thinner, smooth, only slightly rounded back I have seen in quite a few pieces. There are also many that have both sides of the handle equal and are smoother on the curves -

There are also the other extreme and are very thick and very bulbous -

So what are your folks opinions?

Jim

**Ryan Ross** · 11th October 10, 08:54 AM

I'm a fellow who likes to carry a usable knife, and won't carry a sgian dubh unless it has a good blade. With that in mind, I like a sgian that fits comfortably in the hand and on the leg. A little shape to the handle is nice for looks, but personally, I'd want a lower level of decorative relief. I also like the handle portion to not be too out of balance with the blade, as that can promote the knfe migrating out of the sock.

You do excelent work, sir, and every one of your pieces that I've seen would fit the above bill, I'm sure. If anything, perhaps some shaping on both sides of the handle, but a bit lower than your usual outside scale?

**ShaunMaxwell** · 11th October 10, 09:56 AM

Drac:

I've been a fan of your sgian since you posted the first iteration some months ago. I think the design is beautiful, but I'm with Ryan Ross on the value of simple and utilitarian in combination with a usable blade.

Here's kind of a dumbed-down version of your sgian that I'd sketched up some time ago, for what it's worth (which may be nothing at all!). The blade details are from a sgian I'd had made recently, and the handle is yours, simplified a bit.

Love your work!

SM

**Drac** · 12th October 10, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

Drac:

I've been a fan of your sgian since you posted the first iteration some months ago. I think the design is beautiful, but I'm with Ryan Ross on the value of simple and utilitarian in combination with a usable blade.

Here's kind of a dumbed-down version of your sgian that I'd sketched up some time ago, for what it's worth (which may be nothing at all!). The blade details are from a sgian I'd had made recently, and the handle is yours, simplified a bit.

Love your work!

SM

If it's ok with you sir, I would like to give that model a try. I think it is very much what Scott is looking for with a few minor additions.

Jim

**artificer** · 12th October 10, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Drac

If it's ok with you sir, I would like to give that model a try. I think it is very much what Scott is looking for with a few minor additions.

Jim

Aye, with the addition of a slight "German Carve" to the outer face of the handle, it's nearly exactly what I'd drawn.

Great minds, huh?

ith:

**ShaunMaxwell** · 12th October 10, 08:03 AM

Drac:

That's fine by me... I'm planning to have one made at some point; you'll just beat me to the punch. (But that's only fair as your sgian was the inspiration for what I sketched!)

Scott:

What you said.

Can't wait to see photos.

SM

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

I'm a fellow who likes to carry a usable knife, and won't carry a sgian dubh unless it has a good blade. With that in mind, I like a sgian that fits comfortably in the hand and on the leg. A little shape to the handle is nice for looks, but personally, I'd want a lower level of decorative relief. I also like the handle portion to not be too out of balance with the blade, as that can promote the knfe migrating out of the sock.

I'm with Ryan here. The "baby dirk" look seems too handle-heavy. I'm also not one for over-ornamentation, no matter how traditional it may be.

I like the flattened leg-side of the handle as well. I'm a huge fan of your work as-is (obviously)

Perhaps just experimenting with the basic silhouette of the handle?

edit: Shaun, that actually looks quite a bit the sketch I sent to Drac when I asked about a custom handle shape. Mine was loosely based on the handle shape of the Swiss Baselard.

**Drac** · 11th October 10, 10:26 AM

If you'll excuse me for high jacking (and slaughtering) your pic.

Here is one thought I've seen and did like, tapering it off at the end -

You pic is one of the ones I have also been concidering.

And yes, Scott, your design is one of the reasons for the tweaking

Jim

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Drac

If you'll excuse me for high jacking (and slaughtering) your pic.

Here is one thought I've seen and did like, tapering it off at the end -

You pic is one of the ones I have also been concidering.

And yes, Scott, your design is one of the reasons for the tweaking

Jim

Oh No! Hopefully I haven't thrown you off-kilter with my request

The tapered rear end seems under-developed to me. Almost like the rest of the knife has been pumping iron while the end has been slacking off. Kind of like guys who go to the gym to 'buff up' but only focus on arms and chest and end up with tiny chicken legs on a giant torso

Maybe part of the problem altering your designs is that your initial full-tangs are so nicely balanced and proportioned? Over thinking and making changes for the sake of change is certainly something I've been known to do.

**Ryan Ross** · 11th October 10, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

The tapered rear end seems under-developed to me. Almost like the rest of the knife has been pumping iron while the end has been slacking off. Kind of like guys who go to the gym to 'buff up' but only focus on arms and chest and end up with tiny chicken legs on a giant torso

I agree with that 100%. It'd still be a fine looking knife, but not near as fine as the sgians you've already produced, IMHO.

When a knife tapers down at the butt like that, I always feel like pressure on the handle moves the knife out of my hand, rather than keeping my hand firmly in place (as with a butt end that's flared a bit).