Sgian dubh Build-along

**Cawdorian** · 3rd February 06, 06:53 AM

I never cease to be amazed by the depth of knowledge and the talents of our members here at X-marks.

That is a very interesting post, I probably would never try to make my own. I can't wait to see the finished product. Be sure and post the pictures when it is completed.

**Tartan Hiker** · 3rd February 06, 07:50 AM

Thanks for posting in, Mr. Gordon. Your work is truly exceptional, and I hope to own one of your truly fine pieces some day. My humble efforts are not even in the same ballpark as the many fine bladesmiths, such as Rab Gordon, who are out there.

And Rab is absolutely right about tempering...it's a really good idea to temper a blade's edge to ensure that the edge is as durable as possible. The hardening process I described makes the steel hard, but brittle. Tempering the edge of the blade by heating as Rab describes reduces or "draws down" the hardness, making them less brittle and prone to chipping or breaking. Considering the thickness of the blade profiles and the light duty I'll expect of them, I chose not to temper them. A thinner blade, or one that I was going to really stress, would definitely need to be tempered.
Of course, if one is only interested in the sgian dubh as an accessory and not as a functional tool, none of this heat treatment is actually necessary.

**auld argonian** · 3rd February 06, 08:24 AM

I can't thank you enough for doing this post....I've been looking at Sghians for a long time and haven't found one that's to my taste and/or made with functional rather than decorative quality in mind. I've found blanks available and consulted a couple of knife making sites looking at how-to articles but it has always seemed like - how shall I say - starting a whole new "hobby" and, as any middle-aged married man knows, wives have a tendency to roll their eyes and give you the cold shoulder when they see that happening.

"You're making knives now? What happened to fly-tying, wood working, oil painting, photography and kilt making?"

"Silence, woman! Be grateful that you're married to a contemporary renaissance man!"

So I'm following this with interest and looking at ordering a couple of blade blanks. Incidentally, is that 4140 steel considered carbon steel?

Best

AA

**Sherry** · 3rd February 06, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

..., wives have a tendency to roll their eyes and give you the cold shoulder when they see that happening.

"You're making knives now? What happened to fly-tying, wood working, oil painting, photography and kilt making?"

"Silence, woman! Be grateful that you're married to a contemporary renaissance man!"

So I'm following this with interest and looking at ordering a couple of blade blanks. Incidentally, is that 4140 steel considered carbon steel?

Best

AA

Still chuckling...

**flyv65** · 3rd February 06, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Sherry

Still chuckling...

Tracy doesn't chuckle until she's checked to make sure there hasn't been a sudden loss of turgor pressure in our already emaciated checking account: then she ruffles what is left of the hair on top of my head and calls me her little "kook'.

Bryan...that's a good thing, as far as I'm concerned...

**Rab Gordon** · 3rd February 06, 09:07 AM

Thanks,
We all start somewhere and I'm far from an expert or master in this field but I get a lot of satisfaction in designing and making things that are a bit different to what's out there.
I have some Dirk and sword blades if anyone wants to tackle a larger project. ;-)

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

Thanks for posting in, Mr. Gordon.....

4140 is a Chrome/Moly alloy steel which although containing carbon, would be more usually referred to as a low alloy steel.

Rab

**Streetcar** · 3rd February 06, 09:16 AM

Outstanding thread!

**Tartan Hiker** · 3rd February 06, 10:35 AM

Rab, you're much too modest. Your work is really wonderful.

For everyone else:
If you haven't seen Rab's work, you really need to visit his site.

http://www.rainnea.com/

I love Damascus...pricey but fabulous looking, and certainly one-of-a-kind. I believe he offers blanks and other materials for the home craftsman. (Right, Rab?)

Bill