Custom Sgian Dubh

[KiltedGirl]

I am getting married in July and the groom's party is wearing kilts. I'd like to get a custom sgian dubh made for him with his family's coat of arms on it. I'm having some difficulty:

1 - the coat of arms that we have at the house is different than the ones I'm finding online for his name.

2 - no one stocks anything in his family name

3 - finding a maker that I can afford who can do the work in time.

Any suggestions???

Thanks!

Michelle

[BEEDEE]

Michelle - since you don;t say how much you can afford, it might be difficult to suggest anyone. If you want a good quality but not cheap, try Rab Gordon http://www.rainnea.com/

Brian

[KiltedGirl]

Michelle - since you don;t say how much you can afford, it might be difficult to suggest anyone. If you want a good quality but not cheap, try Rab Gordon http://www.rainnea.com/

Hi Brian, I'm already communicating with them right now actually. They are the absolute upper reaches of possibility on what I can afford. The work is amazing, but I'm not sure it's going to be able to happen.

It's hard to say no to that kind of craftsmanship, but I have entire wedding to budget as well....

[druid]

you don't mention the Family name though...

[Dale Seago]

1 - the coat of arms that we have at the house is different than the ones I'm finding online for his name.

2 - no one stocks anything in his family name

3 - finding a maker that I can afford who can do the work in time.

1) Coat of arms, or clan crest? Whoever makes the sgian is more likely be able to do the latter.

2) Is his family name a Scottish clan name, or is it a sept (a family name "associated with" a particular clan)? The latter might not have a separate name and crest of its own.

3) How soon is "in time"?

[cavscout]

This is the knife I carry. If the clan badge exists, they probably have it and can put it on. I know it's not "custom" but it's a very nice, and functional knife that will see a lot of use.



I highly suggest getting rid of the sheath that comes with it and getting a moulded sheath. This sgian is a bit top heavy and tends to wiggle around in the hose, but a moulded sheath like this one, will hold it securely and prevent an accidental stabbing of the leg or slashing of the hose.

[KiltedGirl]

Last name is H0pw00d (yes, I spelled it with zeros, I don't want this to come up in a search. ;-) )

3) How soon is "in time"?

I'm getting married in July

Cavscout - if he drank, that would be fine, but he doesn't so the extra stuff would be a waste.

[KiltedGirl]

I have found this:

H0PW00D (as borne by ROBERT H0P-
W00D, Esq., of Blackburn, co. Lancaster).
Paly nebuly of six, or. and vert, on a can-
ton sable, a millrind in pale of the first.
Crest, A dexter hand fessewise couped at
the wrist proper, holding an escallop, or.
Motto, Gradatim.

His family line actually traces back to Lancaster, so I'm thinking this is the right one, and that's the right motto as well.

We think this is the one that was hanging in his uncle's home, but family politics being what they are, the cousin took it and sold it when he died.

*sigh* finding my wedding dress was easier than this!!! lol

[Dale Seago]

Aha. So it does sound like you're going to be looking for a coat of arms. That, time-wise, is likely to be the single biggest sticking point if it's going to be a piece of metal placed onto the handle, because it will probably require the services of a custom jeweler to make that piece in addition to the knifemaker's work.

As an alternative, there are folks who do laser engraving on wood; if you wanted to go that route it would likely be a huge time-saver.

[Standard]

I have the same sgain as Cavscout and really like it. It is unusual enough that not everyone else has one that looks like it. Even if your new hubby is not a drinker this is a handy and handsome knife. I've never used the corkscrew yet, but have the bottle opener and the screw driver. Mine is still in its original sheath with no problems. I've not had any trouble with it coming out of my hose.