What does the rabble think?

[Terry Searl]

77 .jpgI built a Sgian Dubh from a carving knife my father used to cut the Sunday Roast with.......it has a special sentimental value to me but even with a rather slender handle it does not fit as flat in the hose as it should

[LKM]

They look nice, yet I do not know if they would work in place of a sgian. The size and smoothness of the back cross my mind as things to check, as others have also mentioned. If they are about 6-8" in total length and have a smooth back then they could work for a more casual/day sgian yet not as a dress sgian. If the back would be uncomfortable or if they are far larger than most sgian that you see I would pass.

[sailorruss]

While not authentic, I like 'em. A good blade is a good blade. I have seen stag pins that would go nicely with one of those.

I do have a question though. Is the standardizing of an edged weapon a Highland tradition going way back, or was it codified later on in history? And can accurate sometimes mean something you have not seen before?

[kingandrew]

They are good looking knives, but appear a bit big to stuff in a sock. However, it is certainly traditional to have horn-handled sgians, so you could probably commission something in that line from this craftsman. I agree that I would want to test out the handle against my leg to make sure it would be comfortable and safe to wear.

And I think these longer knives would look pretty cool with a kilt in a casual or camping situation. For formal wear, I would stick with my dirk.

Andrew

[Benning Boy]

The pictured knives do look too big to be carried in a sock. The blades might be acceptable. Sgains of old came in varied shapes. The standardized sgains of today are not traditional in the strictest sense. Antler was often used as handles of sgains and dirks of times long ago. Check out Brisa knife supplies for some cool blades that might make beautiful Sgains.

[macmanjim]

It's a knife, so get what you like. A lot of SD's are ceremonial and fake as it were...So if it's a real blade, more power to you. I plan on getting a perkin with a damascus blade, although I have a pearing knife that I absolutely love. Whatever works for you.

[Laurentius]

Nice knives! However, I don't really consider any of them a sgian dubh. They also look like they might be a big awkward in kilt hose, but would be great hanging from a kilt belt instead.

Much the case, amongst other things I have crafted antler handles for various knives including a sgian dhu and a sgian brew. Both of them are not really ideal for kilt hose though they will do at a pinch.

[CollinMacD]

How about this below for a little more but totally authentic...



Call Mike at Scotia Metalworks... around $160

Here is the description:

The densest antler in the world - it comes from the Sambar deer. The pith of marrow in this thing is less than 1/8".

And besides that it looks great, too

Blade: 3 3/8" 1085

Handle: Crown Sambar antler

Furniture: Brass

Leather sheath

[Laurentius]

How about this below for a little more but totally authentic...



Call Mike at Scotia Metalworks... around $160

Here is the description:

The densest antler in the world - it comes from the Sambar deer. The pith of marrow in this thing is less than 1/8".

And besides that it looks great, too

Blade: 3 3/8" 1085

Handle: Crown Sambar antler

Furniture: Brass

Leather sheath

Well the antler I use is red deer, from Scotland.

[Kiltem in NM]

Those blades like that are factory made blanks, the only artwork involved is the addition of the handles. If you have any craftsman-like skills, I would suggest going to Jantz Supply's website, or something similar, and checking out the knife kits available. There is a lot more satisfaction and pride in a kit you put together yourself, than purchasing one someone else did, for 4 or 5 times the money.