sgain dubh question

[Joe Gondek]

I going to try carving a Sgain dubh handle and I was wondering
if the carving is done on both sides of the handle or only on the side away from the leg?

[James MacMillan]

I only have three Sgian Dubhs, but I have looked at thousands. The vast majority (like maybe 99.5%) have been relatively flat on the side placed next to the leg.

But since you are making it yourself, I see no reason that you couldn't decorate both sides.

If it comes out, post some flix, please.

[McMurdo]

Usually one side would be flat so it sits more comfortably against your leg.

[Casper]

... and to cut down on production costs... ;-)

[Archangel]

Even a slight carving would irritate after a long walk.

[thescot]

You can do what you like. Most of the 6 or 8 I own have carvings on only one side since that's all that shows and the flat inner side does lie flater that way. But I do have one with carving all round, so it's really up to you.

I'd go to really good carving on the outter side myself, but I'm talking through my hat since my only experience in knife making was rounding off and polishing a block for a dirk I never finished. (My exwife feel heir to it when she divorce me!)

[ccga3359]

I'd go to really good carving on the outter side myself, but I'm talking through my hat since my only experience in knife making was rounding off and polishing a block for a dirk I never finished. (My exwife feel heir to it when she divorce me!)

Just in case reach around and gingerly feel around. She might have returned it, you never know.

[Rab Gordon]

Hi Joe,

There are no rules as such, so I'd say that it depends upon the design that you're carving.
Some designs would look terrible if they were carved on the front and just stopped at the edges while others look fine where the design forms its own edge.
However, where the design continues around the back of the handle I tend to smooth and polish the back a bit more to be comfortable against the leg, likewise if I put metal pins in the handle then I usually only put them on the front face.

Good luck with your Sgian Dubh and please let us know how you get on.

Rab

[Joe Gondek]

I really appreciate everyones input
I figured that the the carving was onlly on one side for a reason.
Although I really don't need another project,I'm looking forward to carving a handle

There are no rules as such, so I'd say that it depends upon the design that you're carving.
Some designs would look terrible if they were carved on the front and just stopped at the edges while others look fine where the design forms its own edge.
However, where the design continues around the back of the handle I tend to smooth and polish the back a bit more to be comfortable against the leg, likewise if I put metal pins in the handle then I usually only put them on the front face.

.

Rab, I was hoping that you would pick up on this thread
Thanks for all the advice

Right now I,m jonesing for the blades and handle material I ordered from you