Hi all.
I've seen alot of threads on here relating to the sgian dubh and have participated in a few. As I've mentioned elsewhere I don't carry a sgian ever as I have strong views on carrying knives. I'm not talking about your average swiss army pen knife here but any blade that could be construed as a weapon. I believe that in normal circumstances knives are not necessary in modern Britain and have in fact become a scourge on our society. To that end I cannot bring myself to carry a blade for the purpose of decoration when I strongly advocate severe punishment for those who do carry them for a more sinister purpose.
I am not afraid of weapons, I have handled weapons for most of my adult life, I just feel that the damage that is currently being wrought by knife weilding thugs in this country prevents me from going against a principle. No disrespect is intended to those of the X-Marks community who do carry them and other knives for their general use and without a hint of malicious intent. It's just MY thing.
Anywhoo, the dilemma that I face is; I whole-heartedly agree that a sgian is an important aspect of traditional Kilted attire. I also like the effect and agree that it completes the look; and to be 'properly' dressed one should have one tucked in one's hose.
I have a sgian that I was given and have never worn. It's a cheap plastic thing with a blade that could just about cut through blanc-mange. Not a nice article at all. Similar on the world wide wonder-web are priced between £7 & £11 but in my opinion, worth about 50p.
The sgians that Rab Gordon and others produce are truly beautiful and I would love to own one just for the 'having' but again my personal principles get in the way, not to mention they are way out of my bracket... Where to go next? Mmmmm. Compromise required.
I've looked at the sgian brew option and even thought about making one for myself. A handy bottle opener is much more appropriate to my lifestyle than a concealed weapon.
Then I came across this... which will do till I hone up my own woodworking skills and make myself something as an alternative.
It's in the sgian don't vein (ie. imitation/dummy) and is turned from oak salvaged from a used malt whisky cask. Now that... is appropriate. It's made in Scotland and I like it very much. Solves my problem nicely me thinks.
I've fixed mee darned camera by the way. It's amazing how important those pesky batteries can be...
I've pictured this next to a standard kilt belt and buckle for an idea of scale. It's actual dimentions are 6.2" Long (16cm) The handle portion is 2.2" (6cm) and the blade portion is 4" (10cm)
Closer view.
It's flattened on one side so it sits nice and snuggly against the calf. Although it doesn't look it in the picture the flattened side is ever so slightly rounded and there are no sharp edges at all.
It arrived the day after the confirm button was clicked and was very well packaged. It came with a hand signed note of thanks and a glossy flyer. Nice for £10.99 plus P&P
The bloke that makes them is called Richard Shann richardshann@btinternet.com and he has an ebay shop HERE
He hasn't got any of the whisky cask ones left (I must have got the last one) but he does have them in other woods and if you're desparate for the oak one I'm sure an email would get something sorted.
It's a nice thing and meets exactly with my requirement, budget and taste.
Thought I'd share it with you all.
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