Inexpensive and practical Sgian Dubh

**Tartan Texan Trenton** · 7th January 07, 12:35 AM

Hi, all -

I recently ordered a Paul Chen Sgian - I waited until it came in to post my opinion of it. I wanted a useable Sgian - as another member here has stated; "I don't own any non-usable knives". I found this at http://damascusknifestore.safewebsho...ubh_knife.html - for $57.95 plus a few bucks shipping, it seemed like a good deal. Shipping time was something like 6 days - over the holiday rush!

I'm very pleased with the knife; for the same price as most chrome-plated, unusable Sgians out there, I have a solid-feeling, attractive knife that comes with a good, usable edge on it. The fact that it's Damascus steel is a bonus to me - the pattern on the steel of my knife is very subtle, but beautiful on examination. Mine was shipped coated in Cosmoline or some such anti-rust coating (you do have to keep carbon steel blades oiled, of course). Washed off the shipping grease with hot water, applied a light coat of olive oil, and let haggises everywhere tremble in fear!

Fit and finish is OK, as espected for a mass produced Sgian. The sheath is solid wood, with cast and plated mountings. The handle feels solid, is of composition or plastic, and fits the hand well. The shape of the pommel - cocked at an angle - allows it to ride comfortably in the hose. The large 'amethyst', wile appearing gaudy initially, looks great peeking out o'er the hose-tops.

All in all, a good knife, and a great buy!

**kg4zmf** · 7th January 07, 04:35 AM

Thanks for posting this. I really like damascus steel. Something else for my wish list.

Just a quick question, though. Are the silver pins in the handle pronounced or flush? IOW, are they like studs for grip improvement, or are they purely decorative and even with the material of the handle? It is hard for me to tell from the pic on the website.

Andy

**McMurdo** · 7th January 07, 06:42 AM

For some reason I cant see the pics on the site, I would like to see your new sgian dubh, as the one I have is a cheapy off of ebay. I would love to get something more athentic. if you have any pics I would really appreciate if you posted them, thanks.

**turpin** · 7th January 07, 07:30 AM

That's a very nice-looking sgian. Well worth the price.

**Warlock** · 7th January 07, 08:13 AM

Oh, Thanks Triple T1 Just one more thing I'll have to add to my wish list. BTW,Ive almost finished the conversion of my leather kilt jacket. I'll have to get pics to Dirkskene to post for me.

**Tartan Texan Trenton** · 7th January 07, 03:33 PM

Thanks for your comments, guys!

kg4zmf - the pins' heads protrude from the composition handle jist like any round nail, so you feel them as slight 'bumps' when gripping the handle; they do seem to enhance the grip, tho I feel they are primarily decorative.

McMurdo - I'll try to get some pics of the piece I have up tonight - I'm flying out for vacation tomorrow - but you can also Google 'Paul Chen Sgian' to see pics - though most places want 80-100 bucks for these!

And Beuth - looking forward to seeing your new jacket.

Hurrah to my kilted brothers!

**McMurdo** · 7th January 07, 03:51 PM

Cool I will google it, have a good vacation
-----------------------------------------
I just googled it and the prices everywhere else vary from $100-$69.99.
It is a nice looking Sgian Dubh, I will look into it when the pocketbook allows,
thanks for the info.

**AllenJ** · 8th January 07, 05:39 AM

I had one of those and it bent on me. I sent it back and got a refund but didnt want to chance another purchase. For practical, everyday use I got this Sgian inspired knife from Cold Steel called the 'Culloden'. There is also a smaller version called 'Mini Culloden'. Unfortunatley they are both discontinued but can usually be found on ebay. The Culloden has been a much better knife at the same basic price level.

**Caradoc** · 8th January 07, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by AllenJ

For practical, everyday use I got this Sgian inspired knife from Cold Steel called the 'Culloden'. There is also a smaller version called 'Mini Culloden'. Unfortunatley they are both discontinued but can usually be found on ebay. The Culloden has been a much better knife at the same basic price level.

You may want to take a look at Cold Steel's "replacement" for the Culloden:

The "Brave Heart."

It doesn't have the "thistle-shaped" grip like the Culloden did, but it's still a serviceable blade, and it uses the same AUS 8A stainless.

**Splash_4** · 8th January 07, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by Caradoc

You may want to take a look at Cold Steel's "replacement" for the Culloden:

The "Brave Heart."

It doesn't have the "thistle-shaped" grip like the Culloden did, but it's still a serviceable blade, and it uses the same AUS 8A stainless.

That is a fine looking blade that definately goes back to the roots of the knife.