Putting together a sgain dubh

**Drac** · 4th February 10, 08:14 AM

Thanks all.

I did go back and finish of the work all they way to the back as I didn't like the big empty area.

I'm waiting on a piece of damascus coming from a friend who forges so it will get a bit stalled after the clean up work. I'm also considering putting some file work on the side of the guard once I get it in.

Jim

**Drac** · 5th February 10, 05:06 PM

Getting ready for heat treat. Used sandpaper through 400 grit on the filework and than moved on to the sides.

Here my secret for a quick but nice finish, die maker's stones. Tim Herman introduced me to them. They last longer than sandpaper and make very quick work of flat grinds. For S30V I wouldn't even try it without them. They run a bit more than sandpaper but they are well worth it -

Here's the blade ready for heat treat done to 400 -

And a view from the top -

Jim

**Kilted Carver** · 5th February 10, 07:17 PM

Lookin good cuz!!

**Eleazar** · 6th February 10, 09:11 PM

Amazing! Beautiful work.

**piperdbh** · 6th February 10, 09:58 PM

I REALLY like that vinework. I don't think I've ever seen that before.
Will there be another of these knives in the future?

**DesertCeltic** · 7th February 10, 11:49 AM

Have you thought of offering custom sgian dubh's for sale? Your craftsmanship is phenomenal!

**Drac** · 7th February 10, 03:55 PM

We'll see how this goes. The handle will be the hardest part. I'm also going to try ones with a full tang as stick tangs aren't my style.

Jim

**ShaunMaxwell** · 7th February 10, 04:01 PM

Jim, very nice work! I'm impressed with your skills.

**Tartan Hiker** · 8th February 10, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the tip on the stones...very cool. I'm working on a blade right now that could use this approach.

ith:

**Drac** · 8th February 10, 06:59 PM

Here's where I get mine from here -

Moldmakers Plus

I use them as a sanding but the finish is a bit harsh for me. The last step (in case you try this before I finish) is I use sand paper at what ever grit I decide (in this case 600) wrapped around a block of wood that has leather glued to one side. This softens the finish. The final run is single strokes in one direction. Once per part of sand paper. In this finish never use the same grit twice. If you do it will make for an uneven finish. I start at the top and pull toward me. Don't stop in the or it will cause a line in the scratches.

Jim

Oops, forgot to tell you you need a lubricant. Some people use kerosene but I prefer vegetable oil.