Looking to tweak the sgian dubh

**Ryan Ross** · 11th October 10, 03:32 PM

Love those handle materials!

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

Ryan:

I'm gonna learn to read one of these days...

SM

Now worries, Shaun- it happens!

**CMcG** · 11th October 10, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by Drac

I like the Millar and contemporary designs.

<snip>

The contemporary designs have a sleek, modern look that is appealing and I like them too. Unfortunately they don't appear to be too well made... like a lot sgians, they seem to be made for the look and not for use. I'd love to see where you could go with that concept though Drac!

Here's another few contemporary sgians, all found at:
http://buyakilt.com/contemporary-sgian-dubhs

In tracing the "Millar" image back, I found that it was a custom sgian review by a customer. It was actually made by Rob Miller from Castle Keep knives on the Isle of Skye.

Here's a couple more views of it:

Found another couple pics too.

By Thomas Haslinger:

By Jonathan Fenwick:

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 06:51 PM

CMoG, I'm with you on the 'not very well made' bit about several of the above sgians.
I'm still firmly on the side of solid, honest materials, and less flash (especially tatty, narsty chromey flash).

Beautifully grained wood, polished steel and a good profile are all you need, day or dress evening. It's a knife, not a tiara

**CMcG** · 11th October 10, 06:55 PM

Yes Artificer, that's why I'd like to see a fine craftsman and artist like Drac take a crack something like them; I'm sure he'd use some proper materials and make them right

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Yes Artificer, that's why I'd like to see a fine craftsman and artist like Drac take a crack something like them; I'm sure he'd use some proper materials and make them right

I have no doubt he could.

**Drac** · 11th October 10, 07:15 PM

Thanks guys. I'm still at hobby levels but I appreciate the vote of confidence.

But I've been trying to learn the curved grind lines like Thomas Haslinger uses for years.

I've a little disappointed. I thought the first ones had an angle where the bolster met the sheath instead of the normal.

Jim

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Drac

Thanks guys. I'm still at hobby levels but I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Bah! I'll take your "hobby-level", along with your eye for proportion and balance, over anything I've seen in the "pro" category for sgian dubhs.

And I'm pretty picky.

ith:

**thescot** · 11th October 10, 08:22 PM

there's some beautiful work here, but we have to remember that the sgian still have to be carried in the hose. Some of those knives above are too think, I think. I got one once that waws thick like that, and it ended up being top heavy and wouldn't ride in the hose top too well.

Personally, I really like that first photo you had. With a good, usable blade it's a really beautiful blade.

**number17** · 11th October 10, 08:36 PM

I will offer my input as a rank beginner. The waisted shape of the white Rob Miller design but with a black micarta handle would be a nice utility sgian.
Andrew