Latest sgian project -- lots o' wee piccies

**Tartan Hiker** · 13th January 08, 07:53 PM

Unhappy with the look of one of my earlier attempts, and becoming fascinated with the pewter pouring routine, I recycled a blade and knocked out a new dress sgian. Here's some step-by-step piccies (enlarge when clicked)

Handle roughed out. White oak (Quercus alba)

I wanted to try to make a poured pewter pommel with a thistle look about it. I laid out the design and then worked it with the razor knife and some small gouges.

I was afraid that the pewter wouldn't make it all the way to the ends of the relieved areas, so I drilled a large hole down the core of the handle and connected this to each of the gouged areas with small holes.

Collared up and ready to pour.

After the collar was removed.

Rough-shaped with files.

Further shaping, now the blade has been attached with a poured bolster.

Finished. Wood dyed with leather dye and sealed with Watco Danish oil.

I'm not sure I can see a "thistle" there at all. Maybe more of a "castellated" look instead. And all that pewter makes this little gem HEAVY. It's a bit rough looking, but it's OK for the time being. Each time I try this I learn a bit more and I'm sure I'll get ambitious soon and tear this one apart and recycle the blade and pewter into a new project sgian.

**Livingston** · 13th January 08, 09:07 PM

Great idea. I'm going to have to try that one out. See what I can come up with.

**O'Neille** · 13th January 08, 11:16 PM

Very original. I wouldn't tear it apart. Careful shaping with a belt sander would reveal the hidden sgian that's hiding there and reduce the weight as well.

**turpin** · 14th January 08, 11:55 AM

AB FAB, Tartan Hiker. I really like your ideas here. I'd only suggest using a wood with a tighter grain than the white oak, if possible (unless that's the look you like, in which case ignore that man)

**McMurdo** · 14th January 08, 11:58 AM

Looks great to me.

**O'Neille** · 14th January 08, 12:04 PM

If you stabilized the oak with CA you could sand it to a mirror finish with 400 and then 1000 grit. Just a thought.

**TheSp8** · 14th January 08, 04:07 PM

The pommel wasn't quite what I envisioned but it looks good. One of the joys of creativity.

YMOS,
Tony

**Sheep In Wolf's Clothing** · 14th January 08, 04:55 PM

I think it looks great!! I am not brave enough to try the pewter stuff yet, but it does look good!
Sara
Who does see the thistle!

**James MacMillan** · 14th January 08, 05:24 PM

Wow the talent on this board. That is a very clever idea!

Nice blade

**Tartan Hiker** · 14th January 08, 09:19 PM

Sp8...It wasn't quite what I had envisioned, either!

Turpin...I prefer my woods with visible grain. I guess that's why I've always been so strongly drawn to oak and chestnut.

Thanks for the comments and feedback, everyone. This one is going with me to see the Dragoon Guard concert tomorrow night.