Roughed in sgian dhu

[Nick]

Well, this blade is hardened, tempered, and finished, just awaiting the dratted handle. I've also forged out another blade that's about an inch longer but the same starting width to create a more pointed profile. I need to grind in the bevel and do the jimping yet before I do a final finish. I'll try and get pictures tommorrow.

A friend of mine used to teach at a school with a great hockey team, so he got a bucketfull of old blades before he left. It's a strange material, but it seems to work well. Not quite stainless, it does rust a bit after a long while, but definitly a high carbon steel.

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for the update, I can't wait to see the end result.

[sorcererdale]

Ok, I finally have to ask. How does one pronounce "sgian dhu"? I have seen other spellings of it too.

DALE.

[Southern Breeze]

Ok, I finally have to ask. How does one pronounce "sgian dhu"? I have seen other spellings of it too.

DALE.

I've been told the correct pronunciation is Skeen DOO.

[ozmeath]

But that'd be the Scottish pronunciation. The Irish would say something like "skiien doov" ,pronouncing both vowels (dipthongs) in the first word and with the "oo" like the german ü, and the v short in the second word.
E.

[Nick]

Here's the last progress pics. I'll post a couple more in the sgian showcase thread.

First, the blade next to another blade that's forged but not yet heat treated. The second came out a lot better, but it's a gift, and I'll keep the first attempt for myself for its imperfections.


Here's a closeup of the finish. The "watery" look to the surface is the result of firescale and the forging process. I liked it and decided to leave it. I didn't want a mirror finish anywya. I did clean up the bevel, which should be smooth, though. You can see the curve at the bottom of the blade, which was a mistake on my part, but easily avoided on the second.


Here's the finished product. The handle was a pain. I really don't like working with wood. The stain could be better, and I obviously should have sanded it more. It's finished with a Boston Polish. Hopefully the next handle will turn out better.


A little handle. But servicable.

[Caradoc]

Here's the last progress pics. I'll post a couple more in the sgian showcase thread.

Looking good!

[Kilted KT]

excellent work! Looks like that will be able to help you into even the most expertly sealed bottle of single malt!!!

[Southern Breeze]

Looks good. I need to stop procrastinating and start one myself.

[Alan H]

OK, if YOU can do this, I can do this.....right?