Sgian Dubh Styling

[Seosamh2]

Hi folks,

I've recently decided to make a kilt (Morrison Hunting, knife to line) and its accessories. I'm attempting the sgian dubh and sporran. Many of the sgian dubh pictures I've seen show handles either in black or natural finishes. I'm hand carving a knotwork pattern onto an oak handle. I'm leaning towards a natural, linseed oil finish. However, I would like the knotwork to 'pop' a bit more - don't want my hard work to go to waste! I'm thinking on carefully painting in the negative spaces (colored black in my pic) in a dark brown to make the carving more apparent.

Additionally, I'm considering attaching a small pommel. I've not found a pommel cap in my preferred metal (nickel silver) in a style or size that works for a sgian dubh. Another option would be a dark-stained wood pommel in a thistle design.

Any thoughts? I'm fairly traditionalist, but ready to stray a bit. Would this be too showy, or look laughable? Thanks a million!

IMG_1727.jpg

NOTE: The handle on the left has not been completely sanded. My craftsmanship isn't that poor