Two Sgians Dubh

**svc40bt** · 4th March 10, 07:43 PM

I recently asked for opinions on sgian dubh blades here. In order to get one finished for the Burns Night I recently attended, I ordered 2 blades from Rab Gordon, one stainless, the other 'damascus'.

I fitted up the stainless blade with a walnut handle and aluminum bolsters from some scrap I had in the shed. Went with a very simple straight handled design.

I also made a simple sheath from a practice square of veg tanned leather. First attempt at sewing and moulding leather. I need to reburnish the edges after moulding it.

What started the whole process were the antlers my Brother-in-law gave me the last time we visited. The pattern-weld blade went to the antler handled day wear sgian. This one is not complete yet, but here is a 90% pic.

Close-up of the blade

As you may have noticed from the last pic, I still need to finish polishing the brass. I also need to add something to the antler crown, and sew up a sheath for this one.

Next time around I plan to make my own blade.

**St. Amish** · 4th March 10, 07:57 PM

Is that a chain-saw pattern welded blade? Looks sharp!

**svc40bt** · 4th March 10, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by St. Amish

Is that a chain-saw pattern welded blade? Looks sharp!

I don't think so. I purchased it here.

**MacKay71** · 5th March 10, 03:06 AM

Nice!!

**Paul** · 5th March 10, 03:36 AM

They look great!
Do you plan to sell them, or any other sgians?

**svc40bt** · 5th March 10, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Paul

They look great!
Do you plan to sell them, or any other sgians?

No plans to sell them, though I will probably make a couple more at some point. Right now they are my only sgians.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 5th March 10, 07:14 AM

Very nice! How would you rank the quality of the blades? I've always wondered, as they're pretty inexpensive...

Thanks for sharing your work.

**svc40bt** · 5th March 10, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

Very nice! How would you rank the quality of the blades? I've always wondered, as they're pretty inexpensive...

Thanks for sharing your work.

First let me say my blade sharpening skills are marginal.

That said the pattern weld blade seems to have taken a decent edge and seems likely to hold it.

The stainless blade was nicely polished, until I gouged it up being impatient, but I haven't been able to put much of an edge on it.

**svc40bt** · 16th May 10, 01:43 PM

Made a sheath for the antler one. Saturated it with CLP to keep the blade from rusting. Turned it a nice medium brown. Decided on a brass cap, as my test scrimshaw did not turn out so well. May get it engraved eventually. Here are a couple more pictures, plus one for Jock showing the antler crown against a flat surface.

Sheath and brass cap

Brass cap.

Sgian on a flat surface with crown hanging slightly down.