Blank blades?

[Nighthawk]

shawhighlander has inspired me. So I need some help. Where do I get blank blades? I want to try my hand at making a dirk and sgain dubh. Any help would be appreciated.

[turpin]

You can get dirk and sgian dubh blades at Atlanta Cutlery by mail order

[OFCJAX]

http://www.lochnessorigins.com/acata...Components.htm

[Nighthawk]

Thanks, guys!

So are there any online rescources for knife making?

[skauwt]

hi there
i found this guy last week so i bought a small sgian dubh blade off them,
im still waiting on it but it does come from india the sellers name is ancientarms_etcetera they sell damascus blades i`ll let you know the quality of the blade as soon as i recieve it hopefully i`ll be able to make myself a nice sgain dubh im not sure if anyone else perhaps has bought from this seller before if they have i`d be intrested in seeing some photos though

[turpin]

Thanks, guys!

So are there any online rescources for knife making?

There are several DIY threads here by folks who made their own sgians. You can also try this site

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

you might also try Dixie Gun Works in Union City, Tennessee.

[Piper]

I enjoy making as much of my own gear as possible. I've made dirks and sgians dubh using blades from Atlanta Cutlery, both the carbon steel and the damascus versions. Probably not the highest quality of either type of steel, but certainly adequate to any use they're going to be put to these days. I've also bought and used blades from Ancientarms on E-bay. The sgian blades were alright, a bit on the large side, but not too much so. The dirk blade is impressive looking, being damascus, but given the dimensions, especially the thickness of the spine, it's a bit more appropriate as a bludgeon, rather than an edged weapon.
I was given a small forge last fall. I started a couple of sgian blades before the cold weather set in. Once things warm up a bit more I'll get them finished (frigid anvil really shortens your working time on the blade). Hopefully I'll be able to make my own blades soon.
I read an article recently, that set off a light bulb. It was on making an old style bowie knife. The writer started with an old corn knife, and ground it to shape. Now I have another project. Flea markets are full of large old butcher knives and you can still find some of the old corn knives. A bit of careful work with a grinding wheel, or even a belt sander should give you whatever blade shape you want. As long as you're careful not to overheat the steel, you're tempering is already done for you.

[turpin]

I've seen some impressive blades made from old files as well. Those hold an edge like nobody's business.

[Piper]

I have a couple of knives made from files, you're right. Done properly they make excellent blades. I used files for the sgians I started in the fall. Those same flea markets that have the old knives have even more old files on the tables. I'll run out of steam or interest long before I'll run out of materials.