Sgian Dubh Question(s)

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 27th January 07, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by pig140

Hate to bump this thread so late...but I have a question. I bought a sgian dubh from the Tartan's Museum. It's the Blackwood Sgian Dubh, about 4th down on the page. I also thought it would be sharp when I got it. It's anything but sharp.

Matt, I believe you carried this sgian dubh before. Can this one be sharpened?

I used to get sgian dubhs from this company with a fairly sharpish blade, but around the same time I first noticed Riverkilt's thread here, I started to get shipments in from them with blades as described, no real edge at all. Rather like a butterknife. I was informed it had something to do with a recent law passed in Britain.

Can they be sharpened? I don't see why not, but I confess that though I may be a tartan expert, I know very little about knives!

Matt

**McMurdo** · 27th January 07, 05:53 AM

Hey Ron is this the one you have?

**thescot** · 27th January 07, 06:25 AM

McMurdo, that's a very cool lookng sgian dubh, no matter what.

I guess I'm a little late weighing in here, but I never let timeliness keep my from putting my two cents in.

I personally carry a knife as tool; it used for lots of handy things, and a dull knife is useless. I own several sgian dubhs, some good only for looks, some are nice blades. One came with the same totally unsharpened edge.

But, I must admit that I never sharpened the plain one. Just never got around to it, but then, I never carry it either. Ha. If you're wearing it strictly for looks, don't bother. But if you intend to use it to replace a pocket knife, like I do, then get your friend to put a good edge on it.

In any event, enjoy the knife and appreciate so fine a friend.

**Rab Gordon** · 27th January 07, 06:28 AM

Hopefully I can shed some light on this thread.

There is no basis in Scots (or English) law for a Sgian Dubh to have a blunt blade as they are considered exempt from normal knife laws when worn with a kilt.
However some new legislation is about to be introduced by the Scottish Parliament restricting sales of swords and non-domestic knives. The details of this have not been finalised.

The handle of a Sgian Dubh angling away from the leg a little for comfort is often seen.

The handle of the Sgian Dubh described is made of plastic.

Rab

**IEScotsman** · 27th January 07, 09:25 AM

I don't see the point in selling a blunt sgian dubh. Many of us wear it in place of a pocket knife (as I would) and at the heart of the matter, the sgian dubh is a dagger. They should come with a blade.

**pig140** · 27th January 07, 03:47 PM

I would like to carry one with as much use and looks. So, where can I find a quality sgian dubh with a sharp blade at a reasonable price? Preferably, something that is mainly daywear, but could pass as formal.

**Streetcar** · 27th January 07, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by pig140

I would like to carry one with as much use and looks. So, where can I find a quality sgian dubh with a sharp blade at a reasonable price? Preferably, something that is mainly daywear, but could pass as formal.

These are all pretty subjective terms. What do you consider a reasonable price to pay for a quality sgian dubh - and what do you consider a quality sgian dubh?

I'm still a big fan of Cold Steel's version. However, you can probably only find it on Ebay right now.

It works for what I need. However, I really would like to get one of Rab's damascus sgians...

**pig140** · 27th January 07, 10:28 PM

For quality, I'd say that of a Buck, Kershaw, Gerber, etc. knife. Just a good knife, nothing extremely fancy. I would say the quality of your cold steel, but I really don't like the non-traditional look. If they made that knife with a trad. handle, it'd be perfect.

As for price, preferably $50 price range but I guess up to $75 if I have to. Don't know alot about what they cost and who makes good ones.

As far as Rab's, I'd love to have one, and I'm sure they're the worth the money, but that's out of my price range.....maybe one day....

**Abax** · 27th January 07, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

On the bottom of the blade there's about two inches of sawtooth like grooves near the handle.

Is the shape of the unsharpened blade perhaps misleading? I think the jimping is actually supposed to be on top of the blade . . . the opposing edge would usually be sharp.

Abax