Sharpen a Sgian Dubh?

[McClef]

If it's capable of trenching the gushing entrails of a Haggis then it's fine as it is.

[AKScott]

+11ty.

I have no use for dull knives, and no use for empty whisky flasks.

[Tartan Hiker]

Ditto to the above.

[unixken]

I'm currently having a dirk made, to match a sgian dubh created a few months ago, and was asked by the maker if I wanted him to sharpen the blade. My response to him was that since the knife's original purpose was as a tool of combat, and not a piece of decorative jewelry, that yes, he should sharpen the blade to remain true to the device's original purpose, as he did my sgian dubh. My thought is... if you're going to carry a blade, carry a sharpened blade, even if your only justification is that you can use it to cut a seatbelt in the event of an automobile accident. Otherwise, carry a "sgian brew" or nothing at all.

[jhockin]

I'm going to build a Sgian Dubh. The blade is Damascus (unsharpened),

1) is your Damascus balde from India, or ?
2) let us know how well it takes an edge, please.

[jhockin]

(delete duplicate post)

[Dale Seago]

1) is your Damascus balde from India, or ?
2) let us know how well it takes an edge, please.

Excellent question. It may be some sort of laminated technically steel blade, but that is no guarantee that either the composition or heat treatment will allow it to take a functional edge.

[BBNC]

1) is your Damascus balde from India, or ?
2) let us know how well it takes an edge, please.

http://www.lochnessorigins.com/acata...omponents.html

Have no idea where made, it's coming out of Scotland, as well as the 5300 year old piece of bog oak for the handle. Look at the link I posted, it is the standard damascus blade listed. It will probably be a month or so before I start work on it.

Bruce

[thescot]

I would be willing to bet it's of Eastern origin. That being the case does not imply that it's a bad blade, in my opinion. It is likely made with fairly inexpensive steel, but if it's tempered, looks good, and meets your needs, who really cares!

If it is tempered, you will have to be cautious in sharpening it with a grinder as that can remove the tempering on the edge. I'd have it sharpened prior to shipment for that reason alone. You can always hone it to your own standard if it starts with an edge.

[ThistleDown]

You are buying this blade from Rab Gordon, a fine and reputable dealer. I think he offers three or four levels of Damascus blades and that at least one of them is Swedish steel. I suggest you call him and ask, if you are worried -- and then definitely have him sharpen it for you.