Rib handled Sgian dubh

**Nathan** · 16th May 13, 05:53 AM

Originally Posted by GrainReaper

I like that the shape of the rib so nicely lends itself to its place in ones hose.

What was your prep of the bone? A boil in bleach? Or some other process to preserve the bone without it stinking bad in short order.

A couple of years ago I wanted to make some bones (the musical instrument), also known as clappers. I made two sets. All I did was soak the bones in bleach for a couple of days and then rinced the bleach residue off by pouring a kettle full of boiling water over them in a colander. I sacrificed one of these bones for the sgian dubh project.

Originally Posted by Bluescelt

Good choice. Bone is also good for carving detail.

I really don't know anything about how to carve detail into bone. It sounds like it would be cool. I don't know if I have the right tools on hand or how to go about it.It would be cool to try.

**Madpiper1130** · 16th May 13, 06:08 AM

Very nicely done.

**rlh2** · 16th May 13, 08:25 AM

Very nice! Where did the blade come from?

**creagdhubh** · 16th May 13, 08:39 AM

Well done, Nathan. I'll never look at ribs the same way again.

**Nathan** · 16th May 13, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by rlh2

Very nice! Where did the blade come from?

I got a sgain dubh cheap at a highland games because the stone had fallen out of the pommel. The handle was cheap and plastic but the blade wasn't bad. I salvaged the blade and sheath for this project. I wrapped the existing plastic sheath in leather cord to match the style of the knife. All in all, I'm happy with the project but Bluescelt got me thinking. Now that I've watched a few Youtube videos on carving in bone, I think a Dremel tool is in my future. I'll practice on some other bones before personalizing this handle. It may be a bit down the road, but I think it will be cool.

**Sir Didymous** · 12th July 13, 09:54 PM

I've used a Dremel on bone before and I recommend using the ball point diamond carbide engraving tip. It is about a buck more than the other engraving tip sets they offer, but it makes a clean and smooth line that is great for scrimshaw work. I was considering that on a deer bone handle for my reenactment knife.

**TheOfficialBren** · 13th July 13, 09:13 PM

I don't own a sgian dubh because I rarely carry a knife anyway but I wouldn't mind tackling a project like this in the future.

Nice work, Nathan. Really well done.

**Dale Seago** · 16th May 13, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

I really don't know anything about how to carve detail into bone. It sounds like it would be cool. I don't know if I have the right tools on hand or how to go about it.It would be cool to try.

Bone and horn are both great for carving/engraving, and should lend themselves to the same methods and tools. Check out these powder horns:

If you're interested in learning, someone here at xmarks who could give you some pointers would be Zac Freer, aka "The Thirsty Viking". Take a look at some of his drinking horns:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...c-heavy-65566/