Custom Sgian Dubh fom the heart--thoughts ideas?

[ForresterModern]

I know there are some very creative and artistic types out there along with more than a couple talented knife makers. I wish to enlist, nay, "borrow" some of your special brain energy to aid my elder son (soon to be 27 -- heretofore to be known as No.1, to distinguish him from my younger son, well known to many here as The Boy) and myself with what he sees as a "labor of love", a custom made sgian dubh made by him for me, to show his pride in me, our family and our (albeit distant) scottish heritage. He will be putting his knowledge as a mechanical engineer and (previously unknown to me) talents as an amateur knife maker to work in his workshop to begin the project and is seeking some guidance and ideas from me. I love the idea, and thus far have settled on Amboyna burl wood ( http://www.bellforestproducts.com/am.../#.VMzccZ3F-So ) as the handle and damascus steel for the blade, but am at a bit of a loss for many of the remaining details. I was considering having a small clan badge (3/4 inch or smaller) imbedded somewhere into or attached onto the handle, but the one I have that size simply is not high enough quality to be legible or recognizable as being "the Forrester" clan badge. And I fear it carries a bit of a "cliche'd" and less than classic look about the idea of including it. I did remind him that only the guard, 3 sides of the handle, and the pommel, and possibly the edges of the tang, would be visible above my hose, and that the back side needed to be made flush or nearly so and smooth or gently rounded so as to fit into that space above the outer calf muscle and below the bony part of the knee. I also was not sure if any intricate carving would enhance or detract from the natural beauty of the chosen wood for the handle but feared for the later. And lastly suggested a modest at most guard.

When it comes to overall shape, whether the tang edges should show between clamshelled handle halves or be encased in a solid handle, ideas for the pommel, choices for other metals, etc.. I am at a bit of a loss as to what to tell him, or even whether to tell him any ideas at all or better just leave him to his art and creativity. I "have" knives, but do not really "know" knives, if you know what I mean.

So I open my arms, ears and my eyes to any ideas "the hoard", the rabble, the massed creativity may bring---nothing is off the table for discussion purposes (although I hope none would be offended if their idea was not chosen for inclusion in the project). I think both No. 1 and I want this to be a special, classy, classic and heirloom quality piece we can both take pride in---him for the manufacture and art and honoring of the family, and of me; I for his generosity and sincerity and, well, pride in his adulthood, individuality, artistic ability and not just a little bit that I had a hand in helping mold him into the man he now is (beyond my part in the act of conception).

If you had this chance, what would you desire and wish for?

[416 Rigby]

You chose Damascus steel for the blade, and that would have been my choice as well. Love it. I'm not a knife guy so ill defer to those with more knowledge on the subject. Sounds like an awesome project.

Maybe he could take photos along the way, that would be interesting to see.

[sydnie7]

That wood is beautiful, and I can understand your worry about "gilding the lily." Looking at the projects page at your link, the custom pool cues do have a cream inlay in the burl that (IMHO) adds beauty without going over the top. Not saying you want that look, just pointing out that the wood can be worked/enhanced.

You've probably done this already, but how about more exploration of other sites/photos for ideas? For example, the ad at right "a real sgian dubh"'s gallery has a treatment I like, with (for example) a bee mounted on the top -- where you'd see it as you looked down at the knife. I'm also very attracted to stones mounted in that position, whether an amber to coordinate with the wood or some bolder contrasting color. . . you've got a Dutch Friendship kilt, so amethyst would be smashing.

However it turns out, what a lovely gesture and something I'm sure you will treasure!

[David Dubh]

I'm not a knife guy knowledge wise. I think for a future heirloom piece simpler is always better. So awell shaped simple piece would be key especially in that beautiful wood. You could go with a regimental look with brass pin/nail head look. If you have a small old family coin/keepsake that could be used in the top or on the side I think that could work
good luck with the project
Cheers David

[KD Burke]

Another option for inspiration ideas is Rab Gordon's website, rainnea.com.

[Tarheel]

Depending on your No. 1's work shop tools available, I suggest leaving the burl in a one piece blank. Drilling a solid block will give more integrity to the handle's structure than two halves. A Tung oil finish, as opposed to a lacquer or poly coating, will age with a definition that defines an heirloom piece. I like the "less is more" concept of ornamentation on a blade as others have suggested.
He has the engineering background (as you described) to consider a Frank Lloyd Wright (boat hull profile) with the ergonomics of style and function. Should be a fun project to observe (via photo document) for us on this side of the screen.
There are no mistakes, just learning experiences.

[Dughlas mor]

Here is a link to some photos of an antique sgian done in a style that I think might work well for your project. http://www.scottishsword.com/AntiqueSD/SD7.html That is some very pretty wood you have chosen, and I think the project has great potential. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[MNlad]

Beautiful choice of wood. One warning: when working with burl, it's slow as you go. Burl can be prone to checking and cracking if you try to remove too much too quickly. If your thinking of using tacks as part of the project, be sure to pre-drill all the holes. A contrasting band of dark horn or ebony next to the blade or as a pommel cap could also be striking. Your choice of a damascus blade with that wood should be awesome. What a wonderful project for you and #1.

[uncle remus]

love the choices burl is one of my favorite woods. I would use a tang and not split the wood a solid piece would look best, I think. Damascus steel would make a beautiful blade. If you decide on a stone I would consider fire agate. a bit pricey for a good quality stone but if you got the right color it would really set off the rest of the knife. fire agate is rarer than diamond so it would contribute to a unique piece

[ForresterModern]

Thanks for all the ideas folks. I have given No 1 several links with customs sgians for some ideas and models to work from, as well as a link to this thread. He is not a kiltie like myself and "the Boy", but we may win him over some day. Will keep you posted as I know more.

Additional ideas and comments are always welcome.