Sgian Don't

[LK-13]

Two pieces of steel - one with high carbon content and one with low - are placed one on top of the other. The blacksmith then folds the two pieces of steel over each other again and again.

Or so is my understanding. I absolutely expect to be corrected.

actually your quite correct.
alternating pieces of Steel of differing grades is forge welded, then folded or twisted, forge welded again and so on.
the differing grades of steel give the finished blade the necessary hardness to take and hold an edge but leave it flexible enough not to break under hard use or battle.

the dark and light alternating grain look is brought out of the blade by treating it with a mild acid solution.

[Panache]

Our newest mod also makes a great sgian don't. You might check with Panache.

I'm flattered you remembered them!

You don't need to be an artist like Rab Gordon or a very skilled craftsman like Livingston to make a simple "Sgian Don't" (though granted it won't look as nice as something they made).

Here are some examples of what I did:







You need

One small piece of hardwood (or part of an old hammer handle as in the last picture)

One simple bottle cap / can opener (available in most paint depts. of your local hardware store

A tube of two part epoxy

An interesting button

Wood Stain

A wax finish

I drill a hole for the bottle opener. Then I cut out the basic shape for the handle. Depending on the length needed for the bottle cap opener either cut with a hacksaw the can opener end off, or use a file or grinder file down that can opener end to fit the hole. Once I am sure it fits, then I sand down the handle to it's final shape. Then I use two part epoxy to glue the handle to the bottle opener. Next up I give a final finishing sanding to the handle and stain. Last steps are attaching the decorative button with more two part epoxy and giving the whole thing a nice waxing. I generally drill out a small hole in the side of the handle for the back of the button to fit securely.

Hope this perhaps some help to you.

Cheers

Panache

[Sean_the_Kilted]

Panache,

Where is a good place to get the decorative buttons? Know of any websites? Germany doesn't have much in the way of celtic things at craft stores.

[AllenJ]

Two pieces of steel - one with high carbon content and one with low - are placed one on top of the other. The blacksmith then folds the two pieces of steel over each other again and again.

Or so is my understanding. I absolutely expect to be corrected.

You are pretty close

Though I really hate Wikipedia, this will give you a general indication of how its done:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus_steel

[Panache]

Panache,

Where is a good place to get the decorative buttons? Know of any websites? Germany doesn't have much in the way of celtic things at craft stores.

Sean,

http://www.threefeatherspewter.com/

I haven't personally used them but there have been a few X Markers that have.

Cheers

Panache

[PiobBear]

Where is a good place to get the decorative buttons?

Three Feathers Pewter

No One's Business

[Sean_the_Kilted]

Thanks Panache,
The site has some great buttons and other things.

[Riverkilt]

I'm out on the limb with BeeDee,

Woulda asked her if she had a scabbard.....

Ron

[ccga3359]

I'm out on the limb with BeeDee,

Woulda asked her if she had a scabbard.....

Ron

Oh my Ron! I was old enough to be her much, much older boyfriend.

[The Supreme Canuck]

You are pretty close

Though I really hate Wikipedia, this will give you a general indication of how its done:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus_steel

Well, thankee.