first sgian dubh redux

[Carolina Kiltman]

Not too bad? NOT TOO BAD? Man, that is fantastic! You have not only done a beautiful job! You have given me the solution to a problem I have been mulling over for a couple of weeks now. In answer to the question, the zinc, being much softer than the steel of the blade does not require any lining, and it is also non toxic. I am going to try aluminum with mine, because that is what I have lying around the shop. Thanks for wonderful pictures, and showing us beautiful work!

[DWFII]

the zinc, being much softer than the steel of the blade does not require any lining, and it is also non toxic. Thanks for wonderful pictures, and showing us beautiful work!

Thanks for the kind words.

Yes, that was my thought also...that the zinc is soft enough that it will not dull a good quality blade.

I actually took a piece of steel roughly the same thickness (maybe a smidge wider) as the back edge of the blade and made a bending template that has the same curve as the blade. I also cut the opposite side along the same curve as the cutting edge of the blade and almost as narrow but not quite.

I cut two long triangles a bit wider than the blade and then I bend and fold them down the center. Then clamp one end over the folding template and with a wooden mallet hammer the zinc to the curve of the template.

A grindstone will straighten the folded edges so that they form a seam, with the other half, in the center of the blade. A good idea is to make the zinc sheath a little longer than the blade and pinch the very ends tight together...completely flatten the folded half for an eighth inch or so in other words.

I cut and wet and shape my sheath over the zinc sheath...that's why it's taped. Then I trim it and sew it part way. At that point I pull the zinc sheath and without removing the tape epoxy the folded edges of the zinc and slide it back down inside the leather sheath.

When set I finish sewing.

Just some tips...maybe it will help you, I don't know. Like I said this was my first go round.

Show us what you come up with.