Thoughts on Sgians Dubh

[Panache]

I am making plans to buy my first Sgians Dubh. The one I am heavily leaning toward is the Glenurquhart model (oak) from the Tartan Museum. My preference is for one that accents a wood nature, rather than a metal one (if that makes sense). I really like this one, and it is in my budget. Does anyone have experience with this sgians dubh (or others from the museum)? Are there other ones I should be looking at?

(Here is a link to it: http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/blackknife.html)

I have the Oxhorn sgian dubh from the museum and I think that it is a very pretty and subtle piece. Please note that at this price point you are really just paying for a handle (which is fine by me) the shiny blade would be best used on cheese (and not a hard cheese at that). I personally wouldn't get a fake wood handled sgian dubh. Look at the Blackwood model, again a pretty and subtle sgian dubh. I like the oxhorn one for when I dress up. Otherwise I wear one of my "sgian don'ts" (a knife handled bottle cap openner or comb).

Cheers

[Alan H]

Having made good use of Panache's sgian don't this weekend, while my little cheapie sgian dubh sat in its sheath in my sock, I recommend Panaches concept.

[Bob C]

I bought the exact same knife from the tartan museum. The blade is better than some would have you believe. Go for it.

[turpin]

I have the Oxhorn sgian dubh from the museum and I think that it is a very pretty and subtle piece. Please note that at this price point you are really just paying for a handle (which is fine by me) the shiny blade would be best used on cheese (and not a hard cheese at that). I personally wouldn't get a fake wood handled sgian dubh. Look at the Blackwood model, again a pretty and subtle sgian dubh. I like the oxhorn one for when I dress up. Otherwise I wear one of my "sgian don'ts" (a knife handled bottle cap openner or comb).

Cheers

I have the blackwood model and I agree with Panache. nice, understated handle that will go with anything, blade actually has a round edge that I'm afraid to put to the grinder - it looks like it was chromed. for the price, it gets the appearance job done well. a truly functional SG will go a bit dearer. Check out some of the posts in the accessories forum showing DIY SGs. Some very nice work out there.

[sirdaniel1975]

Does anyone have experience with this sgians dubh (or others from the museum)? Are there other ones I should be looking at?

(Here is a link to it: http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/blackknife.html)

Yes, I purchased a Sgian Dubh about 3 or 4 months ago fro them... I purchased: "The Real Staghorn Daywear sgian dubh...." That one is manufactured by the Sgian Dubh Co. I think most of the STM's sgian dubh's are from that company. I have also noticed that the STM seems to carry more models from them (Sgian Dubh Co.) than are advertised on their (Sgian Dubh Co.) website.

When I was shoping for a sgian dubh, I was looking for a stag handled one. If I wasn't, the model you are interested would have been my choice. It is a very attractive knife. I think the STM has a matching kilt pin in that knife as well. The STM carries (I Live in Franklin, NC) more items than are shown online.

P.S. STM's online photos don not do the sgian dubh's justice.

[PiobBear]

Alas, I no longer have the hair for a skian comb, and several times I've considered making a skian brew (no real beer (or Scotch, for that matter) comes in twist-off caps). However, I was having a conversation with a knifemaker the other day, particularly about commercial skian dubhs sold with blunt edges, and they said something that resonated with me; "If it's not sharp, it's just a metal stick". Skian means knife, not bottle opener. I've decided to either wear my skian dubh, or leave it at home if necessary, but personally I choose not to trivialize a tradition into a mere fashion acessory.

No offense intended towards anyone, just my thoughts on skin dubhs. YMMV. Nice handiwork, by the way.

[Panache]

... personally I choose not to trivialize a tradition into a mere fashion acessory.

No offense intended towards anyone, just my thoughts on skin dubh. YMMV. Nice handiwork, by the way.

PB,

I imagine that one could say that the sgian dubh became trivialized in the Victorian age when kilts and highland garb had their heyday. It became ornamental rather than functional, much like the sporran which was a simple pouch and became another elaborate dress accessory. I think of my "Sgian Don'ts" (which is just a silly play on words in the same manner that Rab Gordon's "Sgian Brews" are) as a reminder of a Highland tradition. I have fairly recently made a razor sharp antler horn sgian dubh :

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=20820

I have used it exactly twice since making it, once to slice an apple, and once to carve a jack-o-lantern. My formal oxhorn one from the Scottish Tartan's museum I use fairly often... at home as a LETTER OPENNER! My comb is pretty much just for show (and a socially acceptable item to have at an elementary school). Now my bottle openner tends to get quite a workout. Not that I drink a lot of beer or anything . I think having a functional and useful tool readily at hand is something that the Highlanders of old would appreciate. I can respect your opinion. I just wanted to offer a counterpoint.

Cheers

[PiobBear]

I imagine that one could say that the sgian dubh became trivialized in the Victorian age when kilts and highland garb had their heyday. It became ornamental rather than functional, much like the sporran which was a simple pouch and became another elaborate dress accessory....

Point taken; few things are quite as completely useless as a horsehair sporran (yes; I wear one on occasion). At least my dirk still has a blade, although quite far removed from the far more utilitarian bollock dagger, recycled from a broken broadsword.

Now my bottle opener tends to get quite a workout....I think having a functional and useful tool readily at hand is something that the Highlanders of old would appreciate.

Also quite valid; I just choose to keep mine on my key ring.