sgian dubh questions

[David Dubh]

Hi all I have a sgian dubh question.I own 3 sgian dubhs 1is a cheap plastic handle casual one. I have 2 dress ones one I have sharpened the other was a gift from my staff when I moved and it is lovely but rounded and blunt. My question is I am thinking of getting a good one that will take a keen edge. So regular steel or Damascus blade? Also should I get a wood handle or antler? I would like it to be useable for either day or night wear so no jewels but maybe silver bands and cap. Opinions on style and type for the most flexible use are appreciated.
Slainte David

[Guy III]

Seems like the choice is what looks good to you. I am a traditionalist so I would always pick a wooden handle. Preferably one with a classic look- either simple and elegant with fine figuring or Celtic carved. Antler is too cliché for me personally (I've never liked stag pistol grips) but I respect those who do like the look. I agree no jewels. I would also not overdo the silver if you go that route. Class over gaud. Ivory, bone or even good horn might be a tasteful alternative over silver embellishment. I would also choose a steel blade- I see Damascus being overused in the low-end blades to make them seem more impressive. My all-purpose steel sguin dubh has an ebony wood handle with a small horn cap. I am thinking the small custom knife I will get later this year- with a carved wood Celtic handle and with an ivory base and rounded ivory cap topped with a brass "flower"- might be small enough to serve as a sgian dubh if I make the right alternate sheath for it. Again, this is just the look I would choose. Others certainly have opinions just as valid based on other criteria. Best of luck to you!

[Pipersson]

Hi David Dubh,

your choice depends on the occasion...
I have two sgians - at the moment.
A stag horn handled and a ebony one, both made by James Young at Comrie Crafts.
Following my experience I use the stag horn one much more than the dressier ebony one.
I think stag, bull horn or wood would be a good choice being flexible for casual and daywear use.
A dress sgian dubh looks displaced with daywear for example...
I don't have my blades sharpend though the blades of Comrie Crafts sgian dubhs are not what I would call blunt...They are steel and you should have no problem to sharpen them.

Tom

[fw_kilt]

You might check out the "officer's sgian dubh" available from several site partners. It has a wood handle, bottle cap opener, cork screw and can be fitted with a clan crest. It comes with a sharpened blade which has held its edge - at least for my light use.

[ASinclair]

David,

My sgian dubh has a sharpened steel blade and rosewood handle decorated with a silver celtic dragon. It was made by Mike McRae at Scotia Metalwork. See my thread for a detailed description and a link to Mike's website.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...talwork-84219/

[California Highlander]

Depending on what you're looking for, a nice wood handle, not over-decorated custom sgian is available from forum advertiser: a real sgian dubh

http://www.sgiandubh.moonfruit.com/

If you search, you'll see at least two threads with pictures of nice looking custom sgianan dubh. Here's a couple with photos.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...an-dubh-74045/
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...d-today-74453/

[Steve Ashton]

Because someone mentioned the Officer Sgian Dubh.

Here is our own Officer Sgian with our X Marks Crest in the handle.



This will take enough of an edge that you can shave with it.

Available in the X Marks Store.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=71982

[MacGumerait]

Steve , that's sweet ! May have to order one of those .

Of course , I will remember it's proper order of use ... shave before opening bottles .

[MacRob]

Like Pipersson I also have three Comrie Crafts sgians. One is a bog oak handle with bull horn cap and Hebridean silver inlay, one is arctic birch and the last is a Roe deer antler which Jim seldom makes - too difficult to obtain the antler. All are excellent quality and reasonably priced. The blades are stainless although he does supply a sort of Damascus steel on occasion and all can be sharpened to a keen edge. However, for general use I carry a very old Jno Will & Son sgian with a red deer antler handle. The CC sgians are just too nice to mess up. Forgot to mention that I also have a sgian made by Vince Evans which has super sharp carbon steel blade with knotwork grip. Vince gets a substantial price for them but they are worth every penny if you want high quality and impeccable craftsmanship.

[Liam]

Because someone mentioned the Officer Sgian Dubh.

Here is our own Officer Sgian with our X Marks Crest in the handle.



This will take enough of an edge that you can shave with it.

Available in the X Marks Store.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=71982

Now Steve, looking at pictures of you, it is hard to believe you use it for shaving!