Single edged, smaller, functional Sgian Dubh?

[Highwayman]

As I get ready to receive my first real kilt in the mail, I have to say I'm very interested in a sgian dubh to match. I'm very deep in the knife community chatting on a few forums about it, the different designs and technologies always intrigued me. I eventually got into Kali and a couple other knife arts, and when I went to college I ended up a competitive fencer, eventually teaching beginners classes in a couple weapons. I'm also an avid hiker and preparedness type, which gave me a good reality check as I learned how to actually be productive and constructive with a knife out in the woods or simply around the house. I never leave the house without a knife, I just find it too useful to go without. I carried some semi-custom fixed blades for years and only recently switched over to folders to be more people-friendly.

First looking at traditional sgian dubhs, I can see the allure of a tribute to such an old design. But gradually, I ran into some issues that may prevent me from owning one any time soon unless I find an exception.

1. Quality. The vast majority I see online are truly 'souvenir quality', which while gorgeous are prone to breaking and marring if actually used for casual use. I'm not carrying something unless it's usable for daily tasks while I'm kilted. I can roll with the older design, it's a classic from before ergonomics and engineering took over, but if the steel isn't solid I'm not paying for it.

2. Cost. I see unsharpened models or even ones that are just sheaths with handles that cost more than what I've paid for functional knives. I understand it's for decoration, but that's not how I operate. If it's usable, I'll throw more dollars at it. If it's well-made and long-lasting, that goes without saying. I'm not seeing many options online that fit this criterion.

3. Legality. Luckily, I'm not in the UK, but I live in Illinois which has a general rule on blade length being three inches or less. Many states have a similar policy, making a knife smaller than that a good traveling companion. Then I realized most models were double edged. Those are illegal in a broad array of states, and even though it's visibly a costume piece it's still hard to justify if it's brought into question.

So, this has me looking for either a true sgian dubh that has been modernized, or a flatter fixed-blade knife that can stand in for one. It has to have the following features:
1. Sharpened, with a good steel and heat treat.
2. Smaller than traditional models blade length wise, and I have small hands.
3. Single edged or bust.
4. Nothing top-dollar, sterling silver and engraving need not apply.
5. Good to go as-is, while I've made my own kydex for my carry knives I'm not looking to pay for a dress knife which comes with a chore list.

[ljamieson]

I found a fully functional one on EBay double edge Damascus folded metal very nice.

[Dughlas mor]

Try Scotia Metalworks. The price will probably be more than you want to pay, but I believe he can meet the rest of your criteria.

[nagod]

werent most of them single edged?

[Benning Boy]

How about the 70mm blade here:

https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.ph...x&cPath=94_118

It's under three inches, and attractive, and more or less shaped like the common sgain dubh blades. Add a little file work to the back to dress it up.

If you are as into knives as you say, you out to know how to make one, or know someone who can complete the project for you.

[California Highlander]

Maybe something like a Mora? There is a thread on the Mora #1 as a sgian dubh. A Mora 2/0 would be smaller yet, with a 3" blade. Sharp, good working knife, wood handle, inexpensive for the quality.

[Highwayman]

I did see the Mora thread, but until you just told me did not know they made a classic-looking smaller model! I own a few Clippers for hiking kits, fantastic knives if they were twice the price. If I were to cut off the belt look on that sheath, it'd be sock-ready with the right flash tightness. Then I may get a second sheath just in case I want to carry it on a belt...But wait, it'd be cheaper to get a second Mora. Well then, I'll just get thre-two. I swear I will only buy two Moras if this 2/0 model looks right.

[CMcG]

First of all, normal sgians are single edged, so no problem there.

For casual attire, I carry a Colt sgian. It is full tang, sharp, and inexpensive. Sharp part of the blade is less than 3".

I started a thread on functional sgians a while back that you may be interested in:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-sgians-80279/

[Dale-of-Cedars]

Likewise on the Colt, very nice knife for the price. I also finally acquired a plain-edge Cold Steel Mini Culloden, but they are getting hard to find and go for about $100US:
knife_cold_steel_mini_culloden_13.jpg

[CMcG]

Likewise on the Colt, very nice knife for the price. I also finally acquired a plain-edge Cold Steel Mini Culloden, but they are getting hard to find and go for about $100US:
knife_cold_steel_mini_culloden_13.jpg

Finding a plain-edge Cold Steel Mini Culloden is quite a score!