Vintage Accessories - Sgian Dubh

[Border Collie Dave]

I'm pretty impressed with it, for what it is — essentially a piece of Highland bling.

Here's a comparable TKE piece for a better price (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Sgi...temCondition=4).

These are for dressy occasions and are sterling with inset stones, etc., likely not intended for heavy use.

My question for you is are you looking for a fancy sgian, or a working tool? And does it have to be old and come from Scotland?

If fancy, see above, or you might check out Rab Gordon's work here: (https://www.rainnea.com/sgian-dubhs.htm) or Michael Mara's work here: (http://www.radharcknives.com/knives%...an%20dubhs.htm)

That said, it's likely to cost a fair amount.

If a practical tool, there are many makers out there who can fashion one for you. Here are a few I've had made:















Curious to learn more about what is you're after and to see what the Scots on the forum advise.

Cheers,

SM

I'd like to get something like this:vintage-1973-Edinburgh-hallmark-silver-Thomas-Ebbut-skean-dubh-for-sale.jpg

But I would hope to find one for a couple hundred dollars at most. 1973 is by no means "antique", and this is not a bespoke piece. It's a nice knife, but nothing that can't be purchased in another form (i.e. bowie, pocketknife, etc) for that price. And here I thought Scots were"frugal" :-)

[ShaunMaxwell]

I'd like to get something like this:vintage-1973-Edinburgh-hallmark-silver-Thomas-Ebbut-skean-dubh-for-sale.jpg

It's a nice knife, but nothing that can't be purchased in another form (i.e. bowie, pocketknife, etc) for that price. And here I thought Scots were"frugal" :-)

I get what you’re saying, but a hallmarked silver sgian dubh is a good deal harder to come by than a Bowie or pocketknife. The focus on these fancy sgians seems to be on everything BUT the blade. And while you can get another type of knife with a higher quality blade for less, I’m doubtful that you’ll be able to find an antique silver mounted sgian for a great deal less. (And you might look a little silly if you were carry a Bowie or pocketknife in your kilt hose!) And a new custom dress sgian will likely cost even more. Scarcity of supply = high prices.

But as I’d said, these are more jewelry than functional blades. That said, even a nice pocketknife can easily run at least $150 or so... some a great deal more.

Looking forward to seeing what you’re able to procure!

SM