My New Sgian

**McMurdo** · 3rd August 07, 06:58 PM

Thanks Alan,
I feel really lucky to have snagged it up, it really is gorgeous.

**Arlen** · 3rd August 07, 06:59 PM

Great Sgian and great tattoo.
I'm glad you got it, Glen. it suits you very well.

**Alan H** · 3rd August 07, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

Thanks Alan,
I feel really lucky to have snagged it up, it really is gorgeous.

It's like.......**trying for the words**

It's like how I explain the beauty behind throwing heavy weights for the Games. People don't "get" how something so "primitive" could be beautiful.
the way I see it, nearly anything, any activity, any craft with a positive outcome, when carried out by someone who loves what they are doing and is truly expert at it...

...whether dancing or molecular biology or welding or blacksmiting or sewing or racing bicycles....ANYTHING...has a particular kind of beauty to it that goes beyond the thing, or the activity itself. It has something to do with the transcendence of the excellence itself.

That Sgian Dubh, to my eyes, is an example of exactly that transcendence.

**Arlen** · 3rd August 07, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

It's like.......**trying for the words**

It's like how I explain the beauty behind throwing heavy weights for the Games. People don't "get" how something so "primitive" could be beautiful.
the way I see it, nearly anything, any activity, any craft with a positive outcome, when carried out by someone who loves what they are doing and is truly expert at it...

...whether dancing or molecular biology or welding or blacksmiting or sewing or racing bicycles....ANYTHING...has a particular kind of beauty to it that goes beyond the thing, or the activity itself. It has something to do with the transcendence of the excellence itself.

That Sgian Dubh, to my eyes, is an example of exactly that transcendence.

I agree with pretty much this whole quote, Alan.
Heavy athletics, while 'primitive' is an art all of it's own.
And it totally makes sense that something like a great Sgian dubh can show all of the same feelings and art.

**McMurdo** · 3rd August 07, 07:17 PM

Well Alan, Arlen, everyone else, especially Raptor thanks so much, if you want one of these one off hand made pieces of art, I am sure that you could work out something with Raptor, get in touch with him I know he has enough blade blanks.

Raptor · 4th August 07, 12:37 AM

Thanks guys, especially Glen, for the kind words. I'm truly humbled.

That sgian was an absolute pleasure to make, & just the ticket to deal with a very stressful period. I have a few ideas kicking around ATM for trad Celtic designed hilts, & I'm looking forward to starting on them.

**Rab Gordon** · 5th August 07, 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by Raptor

That sgian was an absolute pleasure to make, & just the ticket to deal with a very stressful period.

I think that it shows in your craftmaship that you found it a pleasure to make, I don't think that I could adequately describe it but I find there's an almost Zen like thing going on sometimes when working on a challenging project which I find very peaceful and satisfying.

anyway, good luck with your next one and just let me know if I can help in any way, be it materials or advice.

Rab

Raptor · 5th August 07, 03:38 PM

Rab, you have no idea how much help you have already been to my efforts. Your work gives me something to aspire to, & your encouragement & readiness to help out are a breath of fresh air in a too-cynical world. Thanks all!