Sgian Dubh Damascus Steel outlet in Indian Rosewood and Meranti, Kilt knife, Scottish knife, Scottish gift, wedding gift, groom gift, mens gift

Sgian Dubh, Damascus Steel, Kilt knife, Scottish knife, Scottish gift, wedding gift, groom gift, mens gift

The Sgian Dubh is a ceremonial dagger that is traditionally worn (tucked into the sock) as part of Scottish Highland dress along with a kilt. The translation in Gaelic is knife or dagger for "Sgian" and black for "Dubh".
This is one of my new range of Sgian Dubhs in Damascus steel. Damascus steel was first made over 2000 years ago and has a legendary status, it is referred to as the steel of the Ancients. It is thought to have originated in or near Damascus, Syria. During the Crusades, the Crusaders where in awe of this steel that they witnessed slicing through their own lesser quality swords. The exact process of making Damascus steel was lost around 1750 AD but it became very popular again in the 1970s with various craftsmen claiming to have rediscovered the process. The process involves taking multiple layers of metal and folding them together and bonding them by forge welding. If done correctly the metalsmith will end up with a blade that is both hard and flexible and of course have the swirling Damascus steel pattern that is so sought after. Each blade has its own unique pattern, just like a finger print. I have sourced top quality 15N20 Damascus steel blanks, they have a higher Nickel content for extra hardness and are simply stunning to look at, an absolute must have for any knife collection. The blades will be supplied unsharpened but if required, they can be sharpened and will hold a razor edge. If Damascus steel is ground to sharpen then the pattern will disappear, to people unfamiliar with this metal, quite a distressing thing. After sharpening, application of hydrochloric acid will instantly make the pattern pop again. There is one draw back with Damascus steel, due to the high carbon content it will rust and rust quickly. If the blade gets wet it must be dried quickly and if stored for a period of time, especially in an environment that could get damp, simply rub a little clear oil onto the blade to protect it.
I have made the primary outer handle of this Sgian Dubh from some Indian Rosewood. This true Rosewood is dark brown with a purplish tone and streaks of black with a lovely dark iridescence. Like all Rosewoods, it is extremely hard and has a pleasant sweet shop aroma when being worked. The further I take the finish, the more this wood comes to life and when viewed under sun light it is simply stunning.
For a professional outlet finish i have used some Indonesian Meranti for a centre to lock the knife tang and the outer scales together. Grown throughout South East Asia especially the Philippines and Malaysia. This tropical hardwood is very hard and heavy so takes an excellent finish. Colour-wise this piece is a mellow orange which works really nicely with the Indian Rosewood.
To finish and protect the wood I first apply a sealer of Shellac and Cellulose Thinners. This brings out the colour and provides a stable base for the next finish. I then apply 3 coats of a tough polyurethane. From my experience this is the hardest wearing finish available for wood.
This Sgian Dubh comes complete with an attractive embossed black leather sheath and a black presentation box.
The Sgian Dubh measures:
Overall Length 175mm x Width 27mm x Depth 11mm
Blade Length 87mm x Width 25mm, this complies with UK knife law sizing.
As with all my pieces i have applied my company logo "UBC" with pyrography, in this case on the bottom rear of the handle.