Making a sgian achlain (gesundhiet)

[Guinach]

Was hunting around the internet trying to find an armpit dagger. Lots out there, but just spent a pretty penny for a murdoch pistol so no more toys for a while.
Was cleaning out the man cave (well grotto, anyway) and spied an old period butter knife I've never used.





It has a pretty hefty blade.

Here is phase 1.


Straightened out the top and smoothed it. (With a dremel tool)

I'll cut off the bottom to make a wedge shape this weekend.

More later...
Konn

[Dale Seago]

Off to an excellent start -- I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses!!

[Guinach]

Here is the model, among others...

[Woodsheal]

Great idea! I have a number of period table knives like that in our camp chest. May have to sacrifice one of them....

[Guinach]

Phase 2
Did some more shaping of the blade.



Smoothed and began shaping the edge, which will take some time because the blade is pretty thick.
I'll start working on the scabbard as well.

and here is Phase 3
the almost final product.
Grinded the edge down to something serviceable if not yet sharp. Shaped the point. Polished all the metal with brick dust, olive oil and a leather strap to get most of the grinding marks out.



A dozen events or so, and the grinding marks will be gone and the olive oil/brick dust gives it a great gunmetal-gray patina.
Konn

[Guinach]

Total Cost,
$0.00 since everything needed was already lying around and just re-purposed an unused knife.
!!