Antique Mid-18th C Dirk Measurements

**stickman** · 21st July 23, 11:15 AM

Really good looking dirk, did you make it? How was the handle formed, was it cast? How heavy is it? I have made a bunch of dirks and sgian duhb over the years. Gave most of them to fellow pipers in the bands I was in. I’m just so slow nowadays it takes me forever to get things done.

**Crazy Dave** · 23rd July 23, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by stickman

Really good looking dirk, did you make it? How was the handle formed, was it cast? How heavy is it? I have made a bunch of dirks and sgian duhb over the years. Gave most of them to fellow pipers in the bands I was in. I’m just so slow nowadays it takes me forever to get things done.

I'm not sure how it came into my possession. I had thought a friend of mine had given it to me, but when I asked him, he had no recollection of it. I think I got it in the 80's. That was a strange time! The handle is hollow, but is pretty sturdy. It appears to be hammered out of a fairly thick gage steel. The detail is very good but is not totally even. It looks like someone very skilled made it. It is pretty heave. The blade is very thick and it has a full tang. I would love to have a sgian duhb to match it, but this would need way more skill than I have. I will probably make a leather scabbard. it takes me forever to get things done, too!

Dave

**stickman** · 24th July 23, 08:18 AM

Why not carve a matching handle? Looks like it would be an easy carving job and add some little brass tacks to match the dirk pattern.

**Crazy Dave** · 24th July 23, 10:07 AM

I think that would be alot easier than trying to do it in metal. That is a good suggestion!

**stickman** · 25th July 23, 05:18 PM

Just for the fun of it I carved a handle for a sgian like the one on your dirk. It’s yours if you want it. If you let me know what colors are in your kilt I will look to see if I have a stone that will match. I don’t have any little brass tacks to put in the handle. If you decide to put some in I suggest you lay out the pattern and drill small holes cut the tacks off short and epoxy them in. If you want the handle pm me your address. Ray.

**Crazy Dave** · 27th July 23, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by stickman

Just for the fun of it I carved a handle for a sgian like the one on your dirk. It’s yours if you want it. If you let me know what colors are in your kilt I will look to see if I have a stone that will match. I don’t have any little brass tacks to put in the handle. If you decide to put some in I suggest you lay out the pattern and drill small holes cut the tacks off short and epoxy them in. If you want the handle pm me your address. Ray.

That is quite a generous offer! My favorite kilt is MacPherson. I will PM you the information.

Dave

**stickman** · 27th July 23, 02:42 PM

Hey there, Dave. Is there a blue square in your tartan? I was looking for a stone that I can use. I have a blue that would that would work or a orange red that might work.