sgian dubh carving

[Theyoungkiltman]

What is the proper non power tool to use when carving final details into a handle. The design is similar to most on lochnessorigins.com thanks I am new to carving in such detail and do not want to use power tools to keep with the traditional theme.

[unixken]

I would think a X-acto knife, and plenty of sharp blades on hand, would do nicely. They are sharp, easy to hold and control, and I would think more than capable of fine work. They may not be traditional, but they aren't a Dremmel, either.

[Tarheel]

I agree to the use of X-acto knife sets for fine wood work, but would suggest a micro set of jewelers files and saws if adding stones and metals. Also look into buffing (600+ emery) clothes and pastes for finishing. By all means avoid sandpaper.

[Andrew Breecher]

Also a small gouge or two.

[MacRob]

Get a copy of Vince Evans' little book on making a carved handle dirk. I think you can find it at LuLu.com or directly from Vince. He shows how to do knot work carving and also the appropriate tools to use. You really do not need that many tools but you may have to make one or two of them yourself.

[MacRob]

Here is an example of the neat work done by Vince - actually his wife does the relief carving - on traditional sgians.

LRobinson_Sgian_3_800x600.jpg
LRobinson_Sgian_2_800x600.jpg

[James Hood]

There is something very appealing about trying a sgain...

...thank you for the photos.

[MacRob]

There is something very appealing about trying a sgain...

...thank you for the photos.

You are welcome. As I mentioned above, very few hand tools are needed for doing carving, along with a great deal of practice. Vince and Grace use a couple of flat blade homemade chisels and a modified leather punch to do all this carving. I would disagree with other posters regarding Exacto Knives. I have used them for years on other projects but do not think they will work very well on a dirk or sgian handle. If you are interested in doing a sgian or dirk handle yourself then do get a copy of Vince's book. There was also an excellent article with very good photos in Blade Magazine's Guide to Making Knives (2nd Edition) featuring Vince and Grace making a dirk from scratch like mine, which is shown below.

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[Theyoungkiltman]

What do you think about using needle files?

[MacRob]

What do you think about using needle files?

You do not need needle files for the woodwork although they do come in handy for the metal fittings. Three chisels and a wood burning knife were the only tools used to make the handles on both the dirk and the sgian. There are other tools required of course, like a specially shaped sanding block to get down into spaces between the knot work but the three chisels do it all for the wood working part. Get the book or CD Rom and it will become completely clear. Not saying you can sit down and do one like those in the photos the first time - although some people can - but you can get a good start.