Questions about handles and blade thickness.

A

AshleyC

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Jun 21, 2009
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Hi! I don't know much about knives, to be honest. Or the making of them. So, I apologize if my questions seem stupid, but I really am clueless on this sort of thing. I recently met a relative of a friend who handmakes knives. He makes them out of somesort of steel hybrid. Different metals put together? I can't quite remember the name of it. I'm wishing to purchase one from him as a Christmas present for someone who collects knives. He's a history buff and Scottish, so it's going to be based on a Sgian dubh.

I've been searching online for the description and measurements of them. So far, I've found that I want the blade to be 3 inches and spear shaped. The handle will be about 4 1/2 inches in length with a basket weave design carved into it. One side will have his name. I can't afford antler, horn or ebony for the handle, so I've chosen oak or maple.

My questions are in regards to the other measurements. I read that a good thickness for the blade is 1/8 of an inch and I was wondering if that was thick enough for it to be sturdy? The blade won't be getting engraved. He'll mostly only be wearing it as a decoration, not for any tough work. I'd also like advice on a good thickness and width for the handle. I haven't found any suggestions on handle width or thickness in my research.

I have to give these specifications to get an estimated price. I don't really know what a fair price on this is either. If anyone has advice on that as well, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can give me suggestions/advice. Like I said, I'm clueless concerning this subject. Thanks. :)
 
I make many sgian dubh knives. The dimensions you have are fine. 1/8" is normal for a sgian dubh, and more than strong enough. Ask for the handle in African Blackwood. It will not cost any more than maple, and is far better (and traditional looking) than oak or maple. It can be carved into a Scottish weave nicely, or left plain .The ultimate in sgian dubh handles is bog oak ,which is very different from plain oak, scarce, and expensive. It is from oak stumps and logs buried for many centuries, or millennial, in bogs, and thus changed by the chemicals in the ground water. It is black and has a unique look. Blackwood is a similar look. A crown stag ( deer antler) handle should be the same or less in cost as a carved handle. If your friend can't get blackwood, let me know, and I'll send you a suitable size piece. Feel free to contact me directly for more info.

Stacy E. Apelt. FSA, Scot

Attached are photos of some of my sgian dubh. One is in ivory and the other is in ebony.The ebony one was auctioned off at the National Tartan Ball. The steel is damascus ( which may be the steel you were trying to remember).
 

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Do you have a Woodcraft store nearby? Another hardwood dealer?

They both may have some suitable turning stock that would work. For such a small piece it should not break the bank.

Now try finding an acoustic guitar back/side set in Blackwood.:eek:
 
AshleyC said:
Hi


I have to give these specifications to get an estimated price. I don't really know what a fair price on this is either. If anyone has advice on that as well, it would be greatly appreciated.


. :)
Click to expand...


Depending upon the complexity of the knife and the skill and reputation of the maker, something like that would probably cost between $150- $1,500 with a median around $350, $500 for quality damascus.

And, as already said, don't skimp on the wood. I'm not generous enough to just give it away to a stranger (Stacy, you're a hell of a guy), but I'd sell you a piece of my premium blackwood or ebony at my cost, which is around $10, which shouldn't break the bank.
 
Well, I had seen that the traditional handles are made of bogoak or deer antler. And I saw a picture of one with African Blackwood..it really does look good. And the ebony ones I've seen look amazing. The issue is, I'm a broke college student. Money is a huge issue for me. That's why at first I chose the cheapest hardwood. But he really deserves this knife. He'd be over the moon about it. I'm really set on getting this knife made. This is all research at this point, the job market here at home is horrible this summer. I'm hoping to get a part time job when I go move back to school to pay for this.

I appreciate the offers for handle material. I might take one of you up on that offer in the future. African blackwood and Ebony really do make beautiful handles, from what I have seen.

I don't know much about the knifemaker. As I said, he's the relative of a friend. He's the first knifemaker I've ever met. So, I haven't the slightest idea of what he'll charge. I felt having one custom made would be better then buying one in the store though.
 
Take the guess work out of it and ask for a quote from the bloke you met asking for a quote is not signing a contract. He sould be able to give you a free quote.
 
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