As a piper that wanted to ware a dirk that was not a piece of Pakistani junk, I was lucky enough in the 70's to study under Al White , Colt's Master engraver and arms expert . He actualy owned more period dirks and blades than the Royal Museum. I became a successful dirkmaker. My suggestion is to look at John Wallace's 'Scottish Swords and Dirks' at page 77 and built yourself a REAL scottish weapon/tool, namely the 'skeen-ochles' or sleeve knife. Sometimes worn on the belt. The "Black Knife" has been only found in the hose top in the late eighteenth century. A very impractical place to carry a knife while on the move or march. Another error are kinsmen made when they desided to be Scots again, along with clan tarten and family origins. Heart teak soaked in Watco teak oil makes a good substitute for the heather root that many sgian's used. Bone was not used much as it will split with rough use. Again there is a world of difference between the real weapons of the medieval Scot and the Victorian revival.JWLH Esq. FSA Scot. Steward of Carrifran