Sgian Don't ideas?

[Daaaaang]

So, I was thinking. I think there are plenty of places where a sgian dubh is simply not appropriate (for example, aeroplane). So I am getting into the market for a fake one. That said, I'd rather have a nice-looking one than not.

Now, I don't drink alcohol ever, and I rarely drink anything that isn't water, so a bottle-opener is useless to me. Obviously, a knife-shaped piece of plastic is also useless.

Those are the only two types of sgian don't I have ever seen. Are there others? I think a pen would be a pretty obvious idea. It would take some thought, though.

It would also be interesting to see some sort of hybrid between a sgian dubh and a swiss army knife.

Any other thoughts? Especially has any of this already been done?

Cheers,
Matt!

[cavscout]

Several months back a few members were toying with a concept of a sgian-shaped container that would hold a couple of pens and maybe a built in LED if I recall. They had sketched out a few concept drawings but I never heard anything further on it. Best I can tell you is ... search

[Panache]

Matt,

A simple comb is an excellent choice (I am wearing mine right now). Just get one of those sturdy ACE pocket combs that have a long thin handle. A bit of wood, a shaping tool, one drill hole and some two part epoxy and you are set!

Cheers


Jamie

[Panache]

Here's a picture featuring the comb sgian don't




Cheers

Jamie

[BoldHighlander]

It would also be interesting to see some sort of hybrid between a sgian dubh and a swiss army knife.

Any other thoughts? Especially has any of this already been done?

Cheers,
Matt!

Hi Matt,

there was a thread where a picture of a Boer War era sgian dubh that sorta' resembled a Swiss army knife was posted (see pic below).
I realize however this is not what your seeking as it still has the blade.

I like Panache's idea of a comb. Puts me in mind of when I was in junior high & one of my buddy's had a "switchcomb" (think switchblade knife, only a comb flipped out instead ).


...sorry I couldn't reduce the size of the pic further. Pixels broke up the image.

[cavscout]

That's a great picture Terry! I don't think I've ever seen that. I carry the modern interpretation of it

[SFCRick]

That's a great picture Terry! I don't think I've ever seen that. I carry the modern interpretation of it

that is a nice looking sgain dubh/dont, where did you get that?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

That's a great picture Terry! I don't think I've ever seen that. I carry the modern interpretation of it

When I was with Wilkinson Sword I designed the "Officer Sgian Dubh", originally with four folding blades. Because of contractural problems with the previous owners of WSC, the legal department (in the razor blade division) decided that the Sword Division couldn't produce any knife with a folding blade. I then took my design to Sheffield and had a working prototype made, and then licensed the manufacture to Gaelic Themes in Glasgow. To reduce the weight of the prototype it was mutually decided to eliminate two of the blades, which resulted the the final production version now sold.

As an aside, designs of the clansman's badges set into the grip are the work of Romilly Squire of Rubllislaw, and are perhaps the best clansman's badges currently available-- not suprising when you consider that he not only co-authored the Collin's Encyclopedia, but he is also a Herald Painter to the Court of the Lord Lyon, as well as the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland.

[cavscout]

When I was with Wilkinson Sword I designed the "Officer Sgian Dubh"

I couldn't remember where I heard someone state they had designed the Officer Sgian. Thanks for reminding me. It's great.

The clan badge is the same high quality badge you wold expect from Gaelic Themes, but I honestly, would rather have the knife without the badge. When I inquired about getting the knife sans badge I was told it's not an option.

I think offering the Officer in black wood w/ nickel fittings and brown wood with brass and no badge would be a big hit.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I couldn't remember where I heard someone state they had designed the Officer Sgian. Thanks for reminding me. It's great.

The clan badge is the same high quality badge you wold expect from Gaelic Themes, but I honestly, would rather have the knife without the badge. When I inquired about getting the knife sans badge I was told it's not an option.

I think offering the Officer in black wood w/ nickel fittings and brown wood with brass and no badge would be a big hit.

Unlike Swiss Army Knives, which are produced by the millions, this is a limited production item so manufacturing costs are many time greater than for a standard sgian dubh. Frankly at the price Gaelic Themes charges for this item I don't see it making them a lot of money (our estimated retail at Wilkinson Sword was GB Pounds 90-100!).

I agree that a version with plain grips (black or brown) would widen sales appeal-- it is, after all, a super item.

I've thought about having the grips removed, filing down the rivets, and fitting ivory scales in their place. The $300+ that a local knife maker quoted for the job has, for the moment, put this on a back burner.

PM me if you'd like to discuss this further.