Sgian Dubh by Howard Clark

[ChattanCat]

Here is a picture of the sheathed Sgian Dubh:



First a little background:

Howard made the Damascus steel several years ago, whilst researching different steel combinations to use in pattern welded damascus. It is 112 layers, and contains 3 kinds of high carbon tool steel (1086m/L-6/5160), the hardness is R(c) 57-59. The original stack of materials was seven layers, folded four times, doubling the layer count every time. The hammering was all done hot. The forge welding (diffusion bonding, to be precise) was done at quite high temperatures, in the case of this material, around 1300C. The blade was then hot forged to shape from the layered material.

There is extensive heat treatment processing involved. That is Howard’s forte', the heat treatment and metallurgy of high carbon and pattern welded steels. He has done many, experiments and much research into the subject. Including publication in "Materials Characterization", and "Wear", professional journals. These articles were co-authored with John D. Verhoeven, Professor Emeritus, Iowa State University.

The handle material is African elephant ivory, from a 1960 trophy hunted bull. It is secured with 4-40 screws and there is a very thin layer of clear silicone rtv gasket sealer to keep out moisture. The small spot on the left scale was an injury to the tusk when the elephant was very young!

The tang edges are rounded and the ivory rebated. The edges are finished so that they are not flush with the edge of the tang of the blade, and are "rebated" or the handle scales are smaller in profile than the tang. The ivory will change size with temperature and humidity and we have both in our Midwest summer. If the edges were finished flush, then in the winter when the ivory shrinks, the sharp edges of the tang would be exposed.

I am lucky enough to have Howard make me this one off sgian dubh. This is not what he does, and will not be taking orders for them. Howard is a Master Smith in the American Bladesmith Society, and a voting member of "The Knifemaker's Guild", and presently makes a living making sword blades for the performance oriented Japanese style martial arts market.

Ok, a lot of background. Now for the un-sheathing:

Note the signature of an anvil with HC initials.





The blade, this is what 112 layers of steel look like.



I couldn't be happier

[Wolfgore]

That is an absolutely stunning beauty.

[pdcorlis]

Ok - so I understood about every 5th word - but one look told me all I needed to know. This is the work of a true artist and craftsman. The materials are remarkable and the proportions are elegant. You are one lucky duck.

[cavscout]

Awesome! I've been wondering what a Howard Clark sgian would look like and this is just beautiful. Great work Howard and you are a very lucky man Wally! Congrats!!

[Yaish]

HC is an amazing Bladesmith, and that is one amazing piece of work. Quite the sgian dubh you have there, I'm sure you treasure it as the work of art that it is.

[ChattanCat]

HC is an amazing Bladesmith, and that is one amazing piece of work. Quite the sgian dubh you have there, I'm sure you treasure it as the work of art that it is.

Oh yeah, it is BEEEEEAUTIFUL. I just wish I had a son

[bigdad1]

That is a beautiful blade. There has been discussion for many years by both Verhoeven and his partner Pendray as well as many others as to what true Damascus steel is and whether it is really made by pattern welding. The discussions go on. It is known that Damascus steel originated in about the 3rd century but that the true manufacturing methods were lost sometime after the 17th century. Many theories but not much fact. Still beautiful work.

[Big Mikey]

So Wally, do you need a "son" that you could leave that to in the future? No? OK, where will it be stored the next time you leave the house? Not talking eh?

That is probably the most beautiful blade I have ever seen on this forum. It will become a true heirloom.

[Marshal Moroni]

That is a true beauty, you are indeed fortunate to have had it created for you. Like the Tank, I'm sure it will be passed down for many generations.

Cheers,

Marshal Moroni

[kiltedinUSMC]

Very nice workmanship. I like it. Its "sharp". Ok I could not help myself