sgian dubh questions

[Flynn]

Colt makes a very nice Sgian for day wear. It has a burlwood handle and best of all it will actually take a good edge.

[ShaunMaxwell]

If you're wanting something that can be worn in the evening, I'd tend avoid an antler handle (for the most part... I've seen exceptions). And I see no point in carrying a blade that isn't made of high quality steel able to take and hold and edge.

I never have a need to dress more formally than a charcoal tweed/waistcoat when kilted, so I've never opted for the traditional, bejeweled sgian. I think that something with simple, clean lines is probably the way to go unless you're really planning to wear something formal.

Here's a link to one of my favorites to wear when dressing up (to the limited extent I do): http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...an-dubh-59343/

Or something like this: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...eb-kilt-55158/

Or maybe even this: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...sitions-71347/

And here's one that might serve as an exception to the "antler handle for daywear only" rule of thumb:



Though you can't tell it from the photo, the handle is faceted so that it has six faces, with a bit of lapis mounted on the butt end.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

[MacRob]

Sgian dubhs these days are more ornament than tool although I have used them for real cutting for over 30 years. If you are talking about a knife to use every day for many different tasks then a good pocket knife or folding hunting knife is your best bet but not for carrying in your hose top. Most stainless sgian blades can be sharpened to a fine edge if one knows how to do it. I agree with Shaun that there is no point in carrying a dull knife but, again, traditional sgians are not often configured to make them the best choice for a working knife.

[David Dubh]

Thanks for some ideas gents. I probably don't need a sharp blade but I see no point in having one that isn't. I now have 2 grandsons I have no sons but I would like to be able to pass along some quality items to them when the time comes and they may need them to be sharp.
Cheers David

[Sir Didymous]

I have one actual true-to-form sgian that I use very heavily. It has a nice ebony handle carved with a somewhat Norse looking crosshatch design on the handle. The blade is sturdy carbon steel and takes and holds a good edge. It has nickel silver mounts on the sheath and handle. This particular knife works for most dressier day wear and evening wear occasions, and often slips it's way into my casual attire. When I'm actually caring about coordinating my knife, I use a cut-down straight razor fixed to an antler point from a white tail. I got it from a Native American who makes things like that to demonstrate how many tribesmen would repurpose broken items. The spine of the blade is a bit thick, but there's no denying the edge it takes. In both cases, they are custom pieces and that is usually your best bet for "that perfect knife". The money is worth it in the end.

[Dughlas mor]

I`ll put in another good word for Comrie Craft. I don`t own one, but I plan to soon. They have been well reviewed on this site a few times, they have a good variety of styles, and the prices are reasonable. Some folks turn up their noses at stainless steel but it is actually quite practical for smaller blades. Also, I would take MacRob`s word on anything to do with sharpened steel.

[MacRob]

Well thank you Dughlas. That was very nice. I am now out of the blade business but that does not mean I am no longer interested. Comrie Craft is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a high quality sgian and I have many blades made of stainless which, while they can be difficult to sharpen, certainly hold a keen edge once they are.