A question on a sgian dubh

**aonghas** · 28th February 13, 08:38 PM

Ebony is a dense black wood, a antler crown is the part of the deer antler that is attached to the deer's skull. I would attach the crown at an angle to the pommel part of the handle so it does not rub/irritate the leg. Need guidance here because I know so little.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 28th February 13, 08:57 PM

Something that you may wish to consider is that the blade and at least half the handle of a sgian dubh is generally inside the stocking, thus very little of the handle will be seen.

**ThistleDown** · 28th February 13, 09:12 PM

I suppose my take on this is that you may be creating something between a this and a that, aonghas. Antler is (in the Highlands, but perhaps in Canada and the US) thought of as a 'day' sort of thing. Carved it may take a different form, just as carved ivory, horn, bone, or wood does. Ebony fits in well here because it places less emphasis on itself and more on the result of fine carving or forming. It is only the top inch of the sgian that will show, so the choice you must make is between the quality of a natural contributory to that (the crown) or the fineness of the hidden part of the whole.

If I were you, I would choose to carve a subtle cap (horn or ebony) to my sgian rather that display a natural crown. All just thoughts, of course, because in the end it is up you you to see the rules as you see the rules.

**Tobus** · 1st March 13, 06:14 AM

Were it me, I'd just make it as a day wear sgian dubh using the antler, and find another project for wearing with black tie. I agree with ThistleDown that antler is typically associated with day wear, as it's an outdoorsy type material that doesn't really rise to the elegance one would expect for black tie.

**creagdhubh** · 1st March 13, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

I suppose my take on this is that you may be creating something between a this and a that, aonghas. Antler is (in the Highlands, but perhaps in Canada and the US) thought of as a 'day' sort of thing. Carved it may take a different form, just as carved ivory, horn, bone, or wood does. Ebony fits in well here because it places less emphasis on itself and more on the result of fine carving or forming. It is only the top inch of the sgian that will show, so the choice you must make is between the quality of a natural contributory to that (the crown) or the fineness of the hidden part of the whole.

If I were you, I would choose to carve a subtle cap (horn or ebony) to my sgian rather that display a natural crown. All just thoughts, of course, because in the end it is up you you to see the rules as you see the rules.

***

I agree. I'd save the stag horn for daywear, but again, it is ulitmately your decision alone.

Cheers,

**aonghas** · 1st March 13, 07:54 AM

I will then get a carved black handled sgian dubh.
But now need advice on the quality and price range I should expect to pay?
I just would like to do the right thing.

**creagdhubh** · 1st March 13, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by aonghas

I will then get a carved black handled sgian dubh.
But now need advice on the quality and price range I should expect to pay?
I just would like to do the right thing.

If you are considering purchasing a sgian dubh, check out Comrie Crafts of Perthshire. High-quality sgian dubhs made by a Scotsman in Scotland. Jim Young is an absolute delight to work with. I have several stag horn handled sgian dubhs made by Jim. His craftsmanship is second to none.

http://www.scottishsgiandubhs.co.uk/

Cheers,

**aonghas** · 1st March 13, 08:15 AM

Thank you for the response all.
Creagdhubh thanks for the link.
I was looking at # 110 would like to know would this be "black tie" correct?

**sailortats** · 1st March 13, 08:21 AM

I have a very nice black wooden handled sgian dubh (Torridon model) from USA Kilts that sells for $70.00. It certainly is dressy enough for any black or white tie event. As it is the only sgian dubh I own it also serves for day wear.