Sgian Dubh

clemsonreeder

clemsonreeder

Joined
Sep 25, 2007
Messages
176
I posted this in the gallery, but wanted you guys' advice on carving.

Pronounced "Skeen Doo" for those not up to speed on their Scottish cutlery.;)
Blade is 440C, heat treat by TKS. Stainless fittings as well.
Handle is 1000 year old Culloden Bog Oak from Scotland.
This design is very much influenced by a Scottish maker named Rainnea. He supplied the oak as well. This is a one off made by request for my Uncle.
OAL is about 7.5" (8" with sheath). Very fun to make. This was my first time doing any carving. Boy, that was an experience!

Any critiques/suggestions/advice for making my carving neater? I'm all ears.

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Very nice. Not to sound like a rube, but how is the sheath held in place? (I assume this is the kind of knife that's basically worn in the top of the sock, right?)
 
Hey, that's pretty nice. I've just started doing a little carving myself and it's not easy is it? Now, it's time to kick it up a notch on your next one and do the overlapping - underlaying designs like braided leather. Good luck. My only advice is to just keep at it. Oh, and get an engraving microscope to help with the points/corners and other details. You will be amazed how much cleaner your carvings look when you get the corners, etc... nice and crisp.
-M
 
Michael, what type of tools do you use? I just used a dremel. I'm sure there are special hand tools and all sorts of goodies for this stuff right?
 
Looks good Justin.
I pronounce it "Skein Doo" but "Skeen Doo" is also common. In Gaelic it means "black knife".

If you want some minor suggestions,:
Try the fuller on the dress side ( exposed) with the carving.
Don't carry the fuller under the bolster.
Round the corners a tad more.

Makermook,
There is a garter under the top of the sock. It holds the knife in place well. When withdrawn, the sheath stays tight against the leg. Replacing the knife may require a finger in the sock to open it up.

I am hosting the annual Joint Scottish Societies picnic/party next month. There will be a new person attending who was a Naval Academy plebe when I was there in '68. He is wearing his new kilt to the party. I made him a special Naval Academy sgian dubh with the academy crest on the top. I will present it to him at the picnic. I'll shoot a photo tomorrow.

Stacy E. Apelt, FSA, Scot
 
I think you've got a good looking knife there. As for suggestions, I'd like to see it with a matching wooden scabbard instead of leather.
 
Stacy,
What do you mean by under the bolster? Since this is a hidden tang, the fuller "dead ends" at the bolster. After looking at several designs, I wasn't 100% sure how to handle that transition.
I'm anxious to see your work, it always impresses me. Thanks.
 
I couldn't tell from the photo if it ended there or went under it. If it ends there, that is fine.

BTW, make sure the leather and dye used for sgian dubh sheaths is not going to bleed when it gets wet. I have seen many Scottish gents hose with a dark spot where a cheap sheath stained the socks (and the leg) at a hot and sweaty highland games.
 
Pretty knife. I like it!!! I always want to make one, then fizzle at paper. Don't know why.
 
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