Moose Antler, Pewter, Sgian Dubh, and Kilt Pin

**O'Neille** · 1st December 07, 06:08 PM

We had a tremendous winter storm yesterday. Last night the wind was moving items around my yard. We had heavy rain with 80 mph sustained winds, gusting to 100. It was still raining today so I couldn't get my yard cleaned up. Instead, I built a sgian for a member. I had the moose antler waiting on the blade to arrive. It was the perfect diversion from Christmas shopping and cleaning up the mess. Another storm is brewing now. I just built a fire and hope the power stays on for this posting. I made the pin because It's Christmas.

Here is the sgian and the pin ready for the forms to be added for pewter pouring.

The poured pewter with forms removed

I almost hate to see this one go. Here it is all shaped, polished and a basic basket weave hand stitched sheath. I usually skimp on the leather work and leave it to the owner to upgrade. The bad weather kept me indoors working.

The pin was made from a tip of the same antler it is 2.5" and weighs .8 oz. I made it to mimick the contour of the sgian bolster. It's the first I've made like it.

Here is the unseen sides of everything.

I spend a considerable amount of time geting a nice thin profile.

Another good trade. I even got a project to keep me occupied. It would have been even better if my shop wasn't 130 yards from the house. I think I only made about 6 trips to the saw, drill and sander. I do the pewter and final finishing in my motorcycle workshop that is in the house. I hope the new owner enjoys it!

**Bugbear** · 1st December 07, 06:33 PM

Good job! We got the leftover rain from your storm down here in Mesa. Hope all goes well.

**Joe Gondek** · 1st December 07, 08:42 PM

Another outstanding job O'Neille
I like how thin you got the handle

The kilt pin came out nice,It got me thinking that I have a couple of Walrus teeth about the same size that I'd like to turn into kilt pins.

What did you use for the back of the pin to attach it to the kilt?

**pdcorlis** · 1st December 07, 09:00 PM

More beautiful work from a real master - sorry to hear the storm decided to play havock with your yard. I guess we should all be grateful that you weren't blown into the next county!

**Cage** · 1st December 07, 09:04 PM

Wow! Beautiful.
Excellent work.

**O'Neille** · 1st December 07, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Gondek

What did you use for the back of the pin to attach it to the kilt?

I use pin backs from Otto Frei. They sell some nice jewelry findings, but only to professionals w/ a fed tax #. I just got these recently. I like the quality compared to others I have been able to find.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 6th December 07, 01:34 PM

Wow! Those are GREAT...you are an amazing craftsman and artist!!

**James MacMillan** · 6th December 07, 02:51 PM

Really nice -

Are you sure that you don't want to go professional?

Nice work Kresent!

**McFarkus** · 6th December 07, 03:37 PM

Beautiful work. Your should set up a website like Turpin and CavScout

**O'Neille** · 6th December 07, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by McFarkus

Beautiful work. Your should set up a website like Turpin and CavScout

Thanks. A while ago, I made a conscious decision to keep my creative and professional life separate. Income from my profession and enjoyment, bartering and gifting of crafted items. The buyer/seller relationship is something I'm not comfortable with when I make things that aren't easily replicated. I want to make sure that everything I make has a future owner that is invested in the process. I guess I just don't enjoy the imperssonal nature the retail process. I like the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I pack up something special.