Square one for DIY sgian dubh.

[Tartan Hiker]

Here's my Green River in progress. I have everything done except the pins at this point.
The scales are wormy American Chestnut, with Black Walnut bolsters. I really like combining these woods (I have a dulcimer that is made of chestnut and walnut), and both pieces were collected from down/dead logs in the area where I work each summer.

To address one of your questions: I used to shape handles by clamping a belt sander to my workbench and using it like a stationary sanding station. I just got a real stationary sander (4" belt and 6" disc combo) as a Christmas present, and it's first task was to finish this knife handle. The final sanding will take place after the pins are in. Sandpaper will take brass pins down just fine, and if you are patient you won't destroy the belt in the process.

Scales go on one at a time with 2-ton epoxy. Glue one on. After the glue sets drill through the tang and the scale. Glue on the other scale, then chase through scale one to drill scale two. Set the pins with more 2-ton and you're ready to finish.

By the way, I always give my handles a saturation with Watco Danish oil and after a week or so cover that with satin polyethylene.

I've used a couple of the Atlanta Cutlery sgian blades. They are nice-looking, but they hold an edge about as well as a popsicle stick, and they are really small. I won't carry a knife that is not usable and able to carry an edge.

You might want to take a peek at this old thread where I documented my first sgian attempt. It shows the jury-rigged belt sander in action.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...d-along-15577/

[sp00ky]

Here's my Green River in progress. I have everything done except the pins at this point.

Blood drops on the table???