Alright,

I've got some sgian dubh blanks on the way to my door. I'm a Machinist so I'm very familiar with metalworking, filing, heat treating and all that. But that's not what I need help with.

A few years ago, I picked up some African Blackwood. They were labled "bagpipe" blanks, however the moisture content was really high, so I couldn't really make anything with them just then, now however, they are ready to work. But, I'm kinda at a loss on how to attach the blade. I have a couple of options.

First, I wish the knives came with a full tang. Then, I'd simply glue and pin the scales in place, maybe even a couple of decorative screws. But the knives come with a thinner tang.

The one way I'm thinking about attaching the handle is by making two scales, chiseling out the inside of each side to match the tang, then place the two halves together, fill with apoxy and insert the tang and let dry. Shape, sand and finish.

My problem is, that I'm hard on knives. I'm worried that the two sides will seperate under use. The other method of heating and burning the tang into would probably split the hard AB from the heat. Drilling it probably wouldn't be the best option either.

Any ideas? I'm thinking now of making a bolster with an edge or bevel where the scales would fit under them, giving them more strength, also, maybe adding a pin or two to help hold everything in place.

Just throwing things out there to get my head in the game. I know several of you make your own, with great results, I might add. Any input is welcome. Also, what did you use for a pattern for shaping the handle?

Thanks!

T.