my first sgian dubh

**DWFII** · 16th October 08, 05:18 AM

Originally Posted by Alan H

This is an old thread but I came across it in a search and I wanted to say that your knife is just beautiful, and it's one of the very few sgians I've ever seen that I'd actually wear.

Thank you for the kind words. I am working on another in a similar shape and form using ebony and wart hog tusk. I am hoping to take advantage of all the mistakes and all the things I learned making the first two.

**Glamrockdj** · 16th October 08, 06:17 AM

Superb, can't wait to see your second attempt!!!

**DWFII** · 16th October 08, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Glamrockdj

Superb, can't wait to see your second attempt!!!

Oh! Well the ebony and ivory will be my third, the second one looked like this:

**DLMiller** · 16th October 08, 10:30 AM

Very nice job. Your motivation and attention to detail are commendable, but not surprising; they are the hallmarks of American Paratroopers.

**Glamrockdj** · 16th October 08, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by DWFII

Oh! Well the ebony and ivory will be my third, the second one looked like this:

Wow, that's really, really nice, looks as if it would feel good in the hand as well, superb work!!
How much would one of those cost?

**DWFII** · 16th October 08, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Glamrockdj

Wow, that's really, really nice, looks as if it would feel good in the hand as well, superb work!!
How much would one of those cost?

PM me.

**Glamrockdj** · 16th October 08, 11:41 AM

PM Sent

**Kilted Rogue** · 16th October 08, 12:07 PM

when you get your handles, are they already shaped or do you have to shape them to your specs. i am an amateur leather worked and i have never tried wood working, Give me a bit of raw bread dough tho and i can make some nice loaves.

really how much shaping goes in to the handles or can you get them RTU(ready to use)

**DWFII** · 17th October 08, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted Rogue

when you get your handles, are they already shaped or do you have to shape them to your specs. i am an amateur leather worked and i have never tried wood working, Give me a bit of raw bread dough tho and i can make some nice loaves.

really how much shaping goes in to the handles or can you get them RTU(ready to use)

Sorry, somehow I missed this post.

The handles are cut-offs from larger pieces of wood. In the photo of the second sgian, the main part of the handle is lignum vitae and the pommel is amboyna burl. Both were cut from much larger chunks.

I shape the handles pretty much by eye. I try to make the "leg side" of the handle flatter than the outside, facing side. That's so it will feel better when worn in the hose. There's still some shaping but a little less than on the front.

I don't know if, or where, you could purchase ready-to-use handles but I think someone could probably make a good business of providing "kits" so to speak. Or a full list of components, from sterling silver bolsters and pommels to extra ornamentation.

**svc40bt** · 18th October 08, 05:12 PM

I see the 'flaws' in your first effort made you try again. The second is even more beautiful than the first. The proportions are great and the inset medallion does look just a bit better.

Is the damascus blade also from Atlanta Cutlery?

By the way if that flawed one bothers you, I would be happy to take it off your hands.