my first sgian dubh

**DWFII** · 7th August 08, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by thescot

I tell you that's one of the prettiest blades I've seen, unique, functional, and something one should be proud to wear.

Thanks again. I've made my living with my hands for the last 35 years but one thing never changes---when you first finish a piece all you see are the flaws. It takes a while before you can get perspective and see it for as good (or as bad) as it really is.

Right now, I like it OK. I think it has graceful lines and is beautiful in terms of the woods complimenting each other. But just now, looking at the photo, I see a slight deviation from a true "fair curve" where the handle transitions to the pommel. I'll have to go out and check it to find out whether that's a photographic aberration or a real problem.

All that said, I thank you (all of you) for your compliments and comments. It helps to see it through other people's eyes.

**Casey_in_Carolina** · 8th August 08, 05:05 AM

That is a beautiful piece of work, and that burl pommel is just gorgeous. Makes me want to go see if I can find a kit and make my own attempt at crafting one, though I know absolutely nothing about crafting a knife or pouring pewter. That's just so nice looking it's inspiring...

Casey

**DWFII** · 8th August 08, 05:13 AM

Originally Posted by Casey_in_Carolina

That is a beautiful piece of work, and that burl pommel is just gorgeous. Makes me want to go see if I can find a kit and make my own attempt at crafting one, though I know absolutely nothing about crafting a knife or pouring pewter. That's just so nice looking it's inspiring...

Casey

Inspiration..drawn from numerous people here on this forum...is what created this one for me.

And, thank you for the kind words.

**ardchoille** · 8th August 08, 05:18 AM

That is beautiful. It looks like something from a veteran smith that you would expect to pay good money for. Good job!

**Mipi** · 8th August 08, 05:24 AM

Fantastic! Mistakes, if any, are not seen.

**Galb** · 8th August 08, 05:43 AM

Gorgeous work. I recognized the blade because I bought a sgian from AC and the blades look identical. But the rest of your knife is much nicer looking! This is your first attempt?! I have a feeling you may be able to make some money on these boards. ;)

**Carolina Kiltman** · 8th August 08, 06:05 AM

Maybe baking the wood in a low heat oven to lower the 3-7% moisture content for a few hours before pouring might make a difference. Worth experimenting with maybe.

**DWFII** · 8th August 08, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

Gorgeous work. I recognized the blade because I bought a sgian from AC and the blades look identical. But the rest of your knife is much nicer looking! This is your first attempt?! I have a feeling you may be able to make some money on these boards. ;)

Hey, there' s an old saying that the good Lord looks out after children and old fools. At 62, I don't fall into the first category...

Seriously, ever notice how the first attempt generally turns out pretty good and all subsequent attempts (until you get some real skill and knowledge under your belt) seem worse by comparison? Maybe it's just that your eye and sensibilities get a schooling when you attempt a project like this and nothing quite measures up to that "better informed" vision until your skills catch up.

And, to tell the truth...after 35 years of making shoes and boots and working with leather...the most difficult thing is making a sheath that is suitable to go in a sock and against the leg. It should be verra smooth and have as low a profile as is possible--characteristics that are not required on belt sheaths.

**Howard Clark** · 8th August 08, 07:07 AM

I think that is an outstanding first knife ! I have seen a load of first knives, and mine weren't that nice until I have made many, many more than one.

You have the attitude part handled already.