Regimental dirk question

[jlmwrite]

So I've been checking out regimental dirks and they all seem to be the same low-quality Chinese-made product (see picture below) ranging in price from about $25 USD up to about $45 USD on a variety of websites. They all seem to a have faux-Damascus engraved blade, nail-head patterned plastic hilt, plastic "gemstone" hotglued into the pommel, and rather delicate (aka, easily broken) matching knife and fork.

This is exactly the style used in my pipe band, but I'd prefer something of a higher quality. However, I don't want to spend $400 or more! Can anyone recommend something better, but that costs less than about $150?

dirk.jpg

[Tomak]

Kult of Athena carries the Cold Steel for about $122.00, they are well made with a real blade and not pot metal. I have ordered from KoA before and got good service. They are back ordered ATM, but they get them in frequently. Here's the link:
http://www.kultofathena.com/product....+Scottish+Dirk

[jlmwrite]

Thank you for the link; that is of much higher quality than most of the stuff out there.

However, I'm looking for the regimental style of dirk as I pictured in my original post.

[Tomak]

Check this page: http://www.kultofathena.com/scottish.asp
Any of their blades marked "battle ready" are decent steel. They also answer e-mail inquiries very promptly if you have questions.

[Mike S]

You aren't going to find a decent quality full regimental dirk in the price range you are looking. The closest you will find for that budget that is made with better materials and craftsmanship and no plastic or other cheap components is the WINDLESS STEELCRAFT (contractors to the Indian and Nepal Military) model:

http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-196-...tish-dirk.aspx

I have one in my collection, and it is actually well made far beyond the price paid. No plastic, faux leather or other cheapness. It has a real forged, fully functional blade, ebony handle with handcarved ribbon work, leather covered wood sheath, and thickly nickel plated brass fittings.
Stay away from any blades made in Pakistan, which are of the worst possible quality in general. That is where many of the cheapest Sgian Dubhs and Dirks are actually made.

[Mike S]

Company info with other styles of Dirks:

http://windlass.com/product/daggers/

[Bruce Scott]

Here's one that was listed as genuine MOD issue that went for $124.99 on Ebay.
Dirk3.JPG

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/British-Army-...-/300924437677

[Dughlas mor]

I second what Mike S said. The Windlass dirk is pretty good quality for the price. It is a copy of the one pictured in Bruce Scott`s post, a piper`s and drummers dirk, I believe. I own one, and I like it.

[Mike S]

Here's one that was listed as genuine MOD issue that went for $124.99 on Ebay.
Dirk3.JPG

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/British-Army-...-/300924437677

That is another model that Windless Steelcraft used to offer, but I believe is no longer made. The blade etching and wood grip is identical with both models, only the scabbard and pommel feature different fittings. That is the full retail price that was charged by most retailers for that item.

If you poke around the web, you can find a few retailers who still have a few in stock.

The MOD claim is spurious, and supported only by the fact that some governments purchase select items from this contractor (including a few Nepalese Gurkha ones). The Highland Regiments in the U.K. do not however.

[Raymond]

It has been a while and I have been just sitting back. If you are looking for a quality "live" fighting dirk, the CAS Hanwei dirk is a good one - $100 plus or minus. They are in high demand right now because it is the dirk that "Jamie" carries on Outlander. This is a blade that will stand up in a fight.

http://www.kultofathena.com/product....+Scottish+Dirk

the second is the Cold Steel Dirk this is also a quality product for the money, around $110 plus or minus. This is battle ready and can stand up in a true fight.

http://www.kultofathena.com/product....+Scottish+Dirk

Finally there is the Windlass Damascus Dirk. It is actually a good blade for the money and has a lot of positive reviews out on the knife boards. It is good looking and for around $80 is a good buy.

http://www.kultofathena.com/product....Scottish+Dirk+

I own the windlass and I have my eye on the other two as well. I would like to get the CAS but again it is hard to find due to its popularity right now. Most places have it on back order.

Hope this helps.

Ray