I was challenged on Sunday afternoon that I couldn't build a sgian dubh under very limited conditions. The terms were that:
a: It couldn't cost me more than $10 completed
b: I was not to use any material already on hand
c: I have a week to complete it, in spite of my working until 8pm nightly.

Never being one to refuse a challenge, I took the bet on. Although I've done a fair bit of metalwork, & am used to tempering processes etc, I have never before built a knife of any description. So far, it's coming along OK considering the materials I used, but good, bad, or indifferent, the mate who bet me is going to inherit the result!

Scrounged some hardwood from the local door manufacturer. Should be enough for a few handles/scabbards!


Down the local Chinese gift shop. A "chef's" knife for $1.50


The blade marked for cutting