Functional Sgians

[auld argonian]

That original Colt one is till around

http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce...dle/CT275.html

....and I love that Artificum number that you found...one of my perpetual concerns is the length of the blade since 3 inches is the legally permissible length for a fixed blade knife here in Chicago...I wish that more sghian makers would take that into consideration. There is a class taught up in Mineral Point, Wisconsin (actually, looks like a one day workshop sort of thing) wherein the blacksmithing teacher works with you to make a knife out of a railroad spike. Would LOVE to go up there and do that one...looks like the class fills up really quickly, though.

Best

AA

[Geoff Withnell]

Mike Williamson, who is also a science fiction author of some note, makes various blades, all functional. He has examples of sgians (and others types) here. the sgians are in the sold section, but I'm sure he could be tempted into making something. I have a couple of his knives, and they are quite useful.

http://www.sharppointythings.com/knives.html

[QuarterCeltic]

I also like the Cold Steel Scottish Spike.

[opositive]

the ebay sheffield rosewood handle sgian can also be had on amazon for about $30 with shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Sheffield-Kniv...dubh+sheffield i have this. the curved handle does not conform to the calf unless were used as a boot knife in hiking boots. at "top of the hose height," whichever way you face the curve, the handle is easy to grab. the shiny blade is sharp and sturdy enough for cutting or (well...) stabbing, but if you are going to use it as a utility knife, it would scratch. for utility, the colt or cold steel would be better suited.

i intend on getting a colt, per auld's link.

[CMcG]

Great responses, guys, keep 'em comin'!

My concern with many of them is that, sharp as they may be, they aren't full tang, but instead appear to be a rat tail tang that is only glued into the wood or antler. A stick tang with a screwed on pommel would be OK, but I feel like the other ones aren't sturdy enough. Not that I really need it to be workhorse knife... but I'd like it to be capable of heavier duty, if the need or opportunity arose Still, some of those antler or wood handles really look nice, eh?

The Cold Steel Scottish Spike that several people have or the Gerber that kiltedwolfman posted seem a bit more sturdy, though the look departs a bit too much from the sgian dubh profile for my taste. They really appear very nice serviceable, though!

I had to look up the vintage Scout sgian that Father Bill mentioned. Is this it? (pics from an old auction by eBay seller globaltreasurechest):
scoutsgian1.JPGscoutsgian2.JPG

As for auld argonian's length concern, that's a bummer that both the Colt and the Artificum Solis blades are 1/4" too long to be legal in your area. I guess you'll just have to be content that carrying a sgian is legal at all!

[TheSp8]

I too am a believer in carrying a functional knife. I kill two birds with one stone by carrying a Bavarian hunting knife as my sgian dubh to honor the German part of my heritage. It is worn 90% of the time day or evening wear even though the handle is antler the butt cap is shiny silver. http://www.bavaria-lederhosen.com/Ba...dqor2293eud9o4

YMOS,
Tony

[Màrtainn]

It surprised me that nobody mentioned the Cold Steel Culloden, until Dale did.
I bought it way before I even seriously considered buying a kilt, just because I liked the look of it, and since I started wearing kilts, it has been my main sgian dhu.
I made a simple leather sheath for it, because the kydex sheath that came with it added too much bulk around the handle.

4812537.L.gif.jpg

Too bad Cold Steel replaced it with the Brave Heart, which is a bit too modern to my taste…

[Dale Seago]

It surprised me that nobody mentioned the Cold Steel Culloden, until Dale did.
I bought it way before I even seriously considered buying a kilt, just because I liked the look of it. . .

So did I!!! Mine is the plain edged non-serrated version.

[Llama]

It surprised me that nobody mentioned the Cold Steel Culloden, until Dale did.
4812537.L.gif.jpg

I didn't mention it because I'm sad that it's not for sale anymore and bitter that I don't have one!

[CMcG]

Ritter Steel may get a lot of guff in the reenactment circles (mostly due to being over built and having bulky scabbards on their swords), but my favorite arming sword is their "Round Table" model. If their small blades are anything like their swords, then these should hold up VERY well and should keep an edge like mad. All should function about like what you're looking for ... and the price is good.
http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?...eel+Sgian+Dubh
I also trust the company. I've done business with them in the past and not just for the Ritter brand.

A while back, I bought one of the budget sgians from Kult of Athena for a friend and, despite the plastic handle, it has a sharp blade with a threaded pommel. Not bad for $5 + shipping! Not quite the style I'm looking for though...
http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=HK501


Since you mentioned the Ritter sgian ($19), I've checked back a couple times but it has been out of stock...


Elsewhere, I saw recommendations for the Kris Cutlery ($64) and Generations 2 ($29) sgians that Kult of Athena is supposed to carry, but alas they too are out of stock
http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=KRSSN


http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=IP0062

It surprised me that nobody mentioned the Cold Steel Culloden, until Dale did.
I bought it way before I even seriously considered buying a kilt, just because I liked the look of it, and since I started wearing kilts, it has been my main sgian dhu.
I made a simple leather sheath for it, because the kydex sheath that came with it added too much bulk around the handle.

4812537.L.gif.jpg

Too bad Cold Steel replaced it with the Brave Heart, which is a bit too modern to my taste…

That there is pretty much ideal because it is extremely functional without looking too modern. Since their discontinuation, they are still in demand, but hard to find. The last time I saw one it went for over $100 on eBay