Circa-1700 Style Scottish Dirk

[Dale Seago]

This came to me about three weeks ago; very reminiscent of a dirk I've seen which was made in 1725. This one, however, was made for me as a gift. It's made to look like it's been "recycled" from an unusually broad-bladed, double-fullered backsword (blade is 1 & 5/8 inches wide at the haunches, 14 inches in length). Steel is 5160, handle is African blackwood. The underside of the pommel is carved in what makes me think of a Celtic "Tree of Life" motif, and the brass pommel plate bears a design reminiscent of the face of a Highland targe.

The maker is into Scottish living history/reenactment, and this is his third attempt at a dirk. And yes, you could shave with it if you'd a mind to.

I've named this one "Hamish", after William Wallace's big trusty friend in Braveheart.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I like it very much.

 

[dson]

Aye, I like it. I'm warming up to these pieces. I was'nt such a fan of the handle style, but the more I look, the more I like....larryd

 

[Dale Seago]

On Saturday at the Pleasanton (CA) Highland Games I took the time to show Hamish to Patrick Tougher from Scottish Sword and Shield.

He first said, "That was made for a BIG boy, wasn't it ?" He commented that the blade was a bit wide; but other than that he was quite impressed with the shape and interlace work on the handle and with the pommel design.

He also said that if this is only James' 3rd attempt at a dirk, then "He's going to be really good when he gets going."

I couldn't agree more.



BTW, the historic dirk -- made in 1725 -- which served as the model for Hamish is this here: