Hey Matt Newsome!

[An t-Ileach]

The quality of steel in tools, in particular blades, is a sore point with me.

Saddlers seem to spend an inordinate amout of time at house clearing auctions, and the like, looking for old tools (pre-WWI) because the steel is just so much better.

I even travel to a tool-maker in France to buy saddlery tools because his blades take and hold a sharp edge. Japanese tools at the moment are the best; British are rubbish, as are German. I get my round knives from the Amish in Ohio.

I wonder why this is?

Oh, and my sgian dhubh is an old one bought in the '50s - it takes a reasonable edge. I also keep a small sgian-phòcaid (pocket knife) with me; folding, locking, stainless steel blade.

[Alan H]

I keep a stainless steel rigging knife in my sporran all the time. They're reasonably fuctional, and the steel is ok. I also have a leatherman, but it's just too heavy.

The sgian dubh is just something that I have a hard time getting my head into. I dunno why.

[bubba]

Due to the law I simply can't carry a sgian dubh around here. Maximum blade length allowed is 3 inches and fixed blades are a no no. Has to be a folder.

[Jerry]

Due to the law I simply can't carry a sgian dubh around here. Maximum blade length allowed is 3 inches and fixed blades are a no no. Has to be a folder.

Man I'm glad I live in an area which isn't that restrictive. The only restrictions here are that I can't carry a concealed knife (or gun), but I can carry either in the open and can carry a concealed gun if I get a permit for it.

[PaulS]

This is a good link to find out whether, when, or how carrying a sgian dubh (or any fixed-blade knife) is legal in your State. Remember, some States allow local governments to pass more restrictive laws, so it is always a good idea to research all of the pertinent laws before carrying a knife of any kind. This is a good place to start:

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm

[yoippari]

Ask around at swordforum.com. I know I have said it before but there are some really good smiths over there that can make just about any kind of sgian dubh you can want. Of particular note is Jake Powning. Do a search look at his work, prepare to spend money.

[Silverlake_Punk]

I'm not a complete knife nut, but I like carrying a good utilitarian blade when I can. I've wanted a sgian dubh for some time, but I won't spend money one one that is either too ornate or one with a cheap blade that won't keep an edge. Now it looks like I've found the knives of my dreams at www.knifemaker.co.uk . They have some really, really nice stuff, and it seems that much of it is one-of-a-kind. For example...

[Fearnest]

Whoops! I stand corrected and delete my (well-intentioned but disallowed) post! Thanks!!!

[Mike1]

Posts and/or threads containing topics not related to kilts or topics deemed questionable by the forum staff may be deleted, without cause. This includes but is not limited to threads concerning kilt accessories used as weapons or used to carry weapons, what is worn under the kilt, the "is a kilt a skirt?" issue, the gender of those wearing kilts, National pride issues, etc...

Fearnest, let me suggest that you take a few minutes to read the FAQ/Forum Policies page.

We allow discussion of historical weapons, but when discussion turns to the use of modern weapons, the discussion is headed for the bin.

[Warlock]

It has always been the opinion of the knife collectors that I know and deal with, that Sheffield Steel is some of the best. Judging by the prices of it. I have a Sheffield steel chef knife which holds it's edge very well. Any good cook can tell you, there ain't nothing like a good sharp knife in the kitchen. It's a must. You should be very happy with a Sheffield blade.