Sgian Dubh length

[Bryan]

What is the typical overall length of a sgian dubh? I've seen anywhere from 5" to 9" in length.

[Kilted in Maine]

Not an expert but your range sounds about right. Probably closer to the 7 1/2- 8" overall length.

You figure the blade is 3" to 3 1/2" (Atlanta Cutlery is 3 1/4")

Handle is around 4" - 4 1/2"

If you were to make your own - check the width of your palm to make sure it is comfortable for you to grasp.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

When I designed the "Officer" model sgian dubh I measured several dozen sgians that were manufactured between 1860 and 1958 (dates based on hallmarks). The variation in overall length was between 6 and 7.75 inches. Interestingly, blades were a more-or-less uniform 3.5 inches (give or take a quarter of an inch or so). Hilts showed the greatest variation with the shortest measuring a scant 2.85 inches, with the longest topping out at over five inches. Elaborate pommels and exotic antlers added to the length of some of the hilts.

Taking two factors in to consideration (aesthetics and balance) The following dimensions were settled upon:

O/A Length: 6 5/8 inches;
Blade: 3 1/2 inches;
Hilt: 3 1/8 inches;
Max. Thickness of Hilt not to exceed 3/8 inches.

In other words, this particular knife fell into the size range of about 90% of the sgians measured before I set about designing this particular sgian.

I think you are safe in considering anything UNDER 7 inches O/A length as suitable for use as a sgain dubh. Once you go over that, it generally becomes too heavy and too unwieldy to be worn tucked into the top of your hose.

[Kilted in Maine]

I guess I have big hands...

[Bryan]

Thanks for the responses. The reason I ask is because I have a few and they vary in length, the longest being just under 10", but really it's quite comfortable to wear and doesn't look too big when I'm wearing it. I just never knew whether there was a standard length.