My first Sgian Dubh

**wcsgorilla** · 13th July 23, 02:02 PM

Like many I think, I was somewhat disappointed by the commercially produced Sgian Dubhs generally available. So after searching many online sources, historic photos, asking questions and basically deciding I could do better, I decided to make my own. A few weeks of work, and this is the result. Stainless steel blade (that I still need to sharpen), nickel silver mounts, Katalox wood handle and a sheath from Loch Ness Origins. Not only is this the first again dubh I have made, I have never even made a knife of any sort before.

If anyone is interested, I took a series of pictures of various points during the built.

Opinions? Suggestions?

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**Father Bill** · 13th July 23, 02:28 PM

Very impressive Jim! What do you use for sharpening? I use a diamond-grit stone.

**wcsgorilla** · 13th July 23, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Very impressive Jim! What do you use for sharpening? I use a diamond-grit stone.

I don’t!! LOL The only knives I’ve ever sharpened are my kitchen knives and I use a little gizmo I got at WalMart for $5.99! There is actually a cat here in Stuart that makes reeeealy nice, high end custom knives that has given me pointers. I’m going to get him to show me how to do it. I don’t want to mess it up. I’ll leave it like it is before I mess it up trying to do it myself!

**Father Bill** · 13th July 23, 06:42 PM

Just start with the coarser ones and then go finer. Two strokes towards and then one away to get rid of the 'wire'. There will be some really good videos on youtube.

Start with a knife you don't care much about and then when you've got a couple of 'cheapies' nice and sharp, work on a harder steel until you think you've got it.

You can also likely get some really good advice here.

You'll do fine and it'll get to be an obsession if you're anything like me.

**DCampbell16B** · 14th July 23, 03:19 AM

That is very nice work.

**wcsgorilla** · 14th July 23, 06:33 AM

Thanks. I appreciate that.

Father Bill’s warning has come too late. It has already become an obsession.

I have three more in the works. One like this one but in polished brass. The second one in nickel silver but with curly maple instead of that Katalox. The third one has a rosewood handle, brass mounts and the top will be larger with a pip top, and a Damascus blade. That one will have a slightly different shaped handle also..

**bodhran4me** · 18th July 23, 08:19 PM

First off, i have to say that looks great !

Did you use a kit or knife blank? Are you happy with the steel in regards to edge retention?

By all means keep posting or heck, make a video...

**wcsgorilla** · 19th July 23, 08:04 AM

It was built from scratch. The blade and sheath came from a place in Scotland, the scales from a place in Oklahoma and the mounts from a place in NY. I did the design and construction. I still haven't gotten the nerve up to sharpen it though. But this is a quality blade so I think it shouldn't have a problem holding an edge.

A few pic during the build:

Relief for the tang:
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Glue up:
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First stage of contouring:
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After rough shaping and attachment of the pommel:
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Pommel rough shaping:
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A little more finished and the handle mostly smooth through 1000 grit paper:
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Finished after 2000 grit wet sanding and buffing/polishing:
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Pommel finish buffer and polished:
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I have finished the new one and I'll post pics of that if anyone would like to see it.