Custom dirk

**Guy III** · 6th February 15, 07:58 AM

I thought I would share photos of a custom Scottish dirk that a friend recently completed for me. The designs (sheath, handle carving and even the "drop" at the end of the handle) are all taken from original examples of early to mid 1700s dirks. My initials in a period script and the embellishment along the top of the blade are the only changes to an otherwise period perfect handmade blade and sheath. By late August, I should have a companion "armpit knife" / "button hole knife"- smaller with a similar sheath but with a decorative "belt hook" and with carved walrus ivory at the top and bottom of the handle.

**IsaacW** · 6th February 15, 08:02 AM

Beautiful... I love it!

**Santa Kona** · 6th February 15, 08:32 AM

Wonderful you have a great friend.

**BadenochWolf** · 6th February 15, 09:34 AM

That's a beautiful weapon. If I could ask a question: what's the difference between an "armpit knife" and a sgain dubh? I realize now we all almost invariably wear our sginean stuck in our hose top all the time, but thought its origins as a (usually hidden) defensive weapon gave it its name.

**Guy III** · 6th February 15, 10:39 AM

BadenockWolf- The original knife used for the "pattern" was smaller in length and had a brass "belt hook" on the back instead of the leather belt strap on my dirk. It was sized and made to be worn tucked into the lower front sleeve hole of a Jacobite-period vest. (It could also be tucked into the front of the vest using an open buttonhole for the belt hook anchoring.) So a Jacobite-period clansman might have his broadsword, his belt dirk, his sgian dubh and one or more other blades such as an armpit knife tucked about his body. I wanted this to be more of a longer belt dirk. The next blade on order will be the smaller armpit style but with the mentioned ivory pieces to the handle- and the ivory handle top rounded with a brass "flower" cap.

**Hawk** · 6th February 15, 10:59 AM

Beautiful work.....beautiful piece......

Hawk

**Mike S** · 6th February 15, 09:34 AM

A Jim Dandy dirk. I love it.

**Dughlas mor** · 6th February 15, 09:54 AM

That is a beautiful dirk. Your friend does very nice work.

**Bluescelt** · 6th February 15, 10:10 AM

Very nice!

**Destin_scot** · 6th February 15, 06:55 PM

Very nice. Well executed craftsmanship.

How does it feel in the hand? Is it well balanced, etc. etc. It looks to have a nice taper from pommel to blade tip.

Care to elaborate on the type of wood used for the handle?