The Cheap eBay Sgian Duhb

**Monkey@Arms** · 26th September 06, 10:44 AM

As mentioned in this thread I decided to find out what a $2.99 sgian duhb looks like.

The eBay sgian dubh arrived yesterday (seller: Sussen). This picture from the seller is the most representative of its actual appearance:

This one shows the blade, but the trim is really much more shiny (gaudy), like in the top photo:

The knife is made in China. The fit of the plastic sheath is very poor (too tight), and the plastic handle feels like it would snap off if you put any pressure on it. But what do you expect for $2.99 plus $4.53 shipping?

You may be surprised, but I actually would recommend this sgian duhb for someone who wants something to put in their sock without having to worry too much about it. Personally, I prefer ones with real wooden handles, but I saw an $82 plastic-handled one at the store the other day that looked pretty similar to this eBay cheapy. Now I am willing to believe that the $82 one was better constructed, and probably not made in China, but given that neither were designed to serve any purpose other then decorative, I have a hard time believing that the $82 knife was almost 30 times better.

Best regards,

Jake

**Bob C** · 26th September 06, 10:49 AM

Unless your banquet/wedding/other special event is invaded by enemy warriors, looking good in your sock is all it needs to do. Congrats on an economical purchase.

Prepare for the wrath of the knife snobs. I've got your back, though, with my $25 dirk.

**Kilted KT** · 26th September 06, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Bob C.

Unless your banquet/wedding/other special event is invaded by enemy warriors, looking good in your sock is all it needs to do. Congrats on an economical purchase.

Prepare for the wrath of the knife snobs. I've got your back, though, with my $25 dirk.

I guess I better stock up on sgians than....most of my events get invaded by the enemey ( mostly in the form of people trying to get at the open bar through me!)

**switchblade5984** · 26th September 06, 11:10 AM

usuall the cheap ones are too loose. lol

**Panache** · 26th September 06, 11:47 AM

Jake,

For a piece of formal wear that has as much practical use as a cumberbund I'd say it was a good buy. After all, how many times are you going to be hanging out with a bunch of kilt obssessed guys who actually care about the specific details of every little accessory you wear to complete your kilted outfit.

Wait a minute....

Cheers

**Alan H** · 26th September 06, 12:06 PM

OK, at $2.99 you got me beat by one penny for my wood-handled, made in Pakistan, shiny "casual" sgian dubh from the RenFaire.

'curse,I didn't have to pay shipping...*grin*. Then again, I had to fly to Washington State to find it, so you might have me there.

Looks like a good deal to me.

**McClef** · 26th September 06, 12:31 PM

When it's buried in the hose who but the most practice eye is going to tell the difference?

Only trouble would be if it's loose and the scabbard piece keeps on sinking down!

**Gauranga** · 12th February 08, 02:49 PM

I bought 3 of that same one from that same seller. Good bargain, however, my experience with that seller was poor at best. It took nearly a month to get them and they mixed up the order; I got 1 at first then had to fight to get the other 2. Eventually I got everything I paid for, but it took some doing.

The sgian dubh itself is cheap, but it is all that it needs to be for what it is.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 12th February 08, 03:19 PM

Just watch for the ones that mention Elegant "etched Damascus blade". This is a picture of one of these.

http://www.apexrg.com/ebay/HK2516.jpg

They are more Polynesian than Scottish, but they make great letter openers! There is a tiki on the pommel.

I've ordered other things from Sussen and can vouch for the quality of his gear.

As for S.G.s, not everyone can afford one from Alistair Campbell in Edinburgh. Go with what you feel comfortable with.

**Monkey@Arms** · 12th February 08, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by Gauranga

I bought 3 of that same one from that same seller. Good bargain, however, my experience with that seller was poor at best. It took nearly a month to get them and they mixed up the order; I got 1 at first then had to fight to get the other 2. Eventually I got everything I paid for, but it took some doing.

The sgian dubh itself is cheap, but it is all that it needs to be for what it is.

Sorry to hear it. My transaction went smoothly.

Best regards,

Jake