Dirk from Mike McRae at Scotia Metalworks

**ASinclair** · 23rd December 20, 08:00 PM

Several months ago, I commissioned Mike McRae of Scotia Metalworks (http://www.scotiametalwork.com/index.html) to make a replica of a cutdown backsword dirk with a double fuller and a false edge circa 1745, using ebony for the handle and replacing the normal brass with stainless steel. My clan chief's livery colors are sable and argent (black and silver/white). I also requested he fashion an engrailed cross shield on the pommel. This is my chief's undifferentiated arms, which he has granted Clan Sinclair organizations permission to use as symbols of Clan Sinclair. Overall length is 16 1/4" and the blade is 12" 5160 steel. The handle is ebony with thistle, triquetra, and celtic knot carvings. The furniture is stainless steel instead of brass, with a crescent shaped ferrule, a pommel cap with engrailed cross shield added, and a threaded tang nut. Here are some pictures:

**Father Bill** · 23rd December 20, 08:07 PM

Absolutely beautiful Allen, and you're the fellow who will have opportunities to wear it properly. Well done Cuz!

**ShaunMaxwell** · 23rd December 20, 08:18 PM

Allen:

That’s a beauty! Mike does great work.

He made the dirk I have hanging over the fireplace (along with a targe, broadsword, backsword and steel pistol).

Congratulations on a fine acquisition!

Cheers,

SM

P.S. Here’s mine:

**ASinclair** · 23rd December 20, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Absolutely beautiful Allen, and you're the fellow who will have opportunities to wear it properly. Well done Cuz!

Thank you, cousin. I had planned to just add it to my displays at my Clan Sinclair tent at Highland Games and maybe use it to address the odd Haggis every now and then. However, SWMBO, @carolinanan117, mentioned that now I need to get a belt so I can wear it. Oh, well.

**ASinclair** · 23rd December 20, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

Allen:

That’s a beauty! Mike does great work.

He made the dirk I have hanging over the fireplace (along with a targe, broadsword, backsword and steel pistol).

Congratulations on a fine acquisition!

Cheers,

SM

P.S. Here’s mine:

Thanks, Shaun. Yours is quite lovely. Mike really is an artist.

**McMurdo** · 23rd December 20, 09:56 PM

Absolutely beautiful wear it well.

**Jacques** · 11th January 21, 12:16 PM

i'm envious, both dirks look very nice. i've been trying to get Mike to make a couple of knives for me since late 2019. We've exchanged many emails but never seem to connect long enough to close the deal. Just my bad luck really.