African Blackwood and Scottish Yew Sgian Brew, Sgian Dubh, 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”. Sgian Brews have become a popular alternative, used in perhaps a non-knife friendly event or just as a talking point.
I have made the primary outer handle of this Sgian Brew from some stunning African Blackwood. All the Blackwood is use is FSC 100% and comes from community-managed forests in Tanzania, 100% of the revenue from wood sales goes back to the local people involved. This true Rosewood has a beautiful grain, jet black streaks intertwined with dark irridescent brown. It also has a high natural oil content that makes it very resistant to moisture. African Blackwood is a very traditional wood to be used in the making of Sgian Dubhs/Brews fitting the bill perfectly for a “Black Knife”. The wood is also extremely hard and finishes to a high lustre.
For a professional finish i have used some local Scottish Yew as a centre to lock the tang and the outer scales together. This particular piece came from a very old tree that grew just outside Ullapool, West Coast of Scotland. Yew is a very traditional and sought after wood in woodcraft. This extremely slow growing, evergreen tree can live for many thousands of years and its use in folklore and legend has given it an almost mystical status. It has a gorgeous warm orange heartwood and creamy sapwood which contrasts perfectly with the African Blackwood. Out of my many combinations of wood Sgian Dubh/Brews i would class this combination as an absolute classic. In my opinion it just doesn’t get more traditional than this, a timeless piece.
To finish and protect the wood I first apply a sealer of Shellac and Cellulose Thinners. This brings out the colour and provides and stable base for the next finish. I then apply two types of industrial wax, this gives a hardwearing satin finish. The blade is Stainless Steel, i have set it in the handle so that it measures just under 3.5″ to comply with current UK knife laws. It comes complete with an attractive embossed black leather sheath and a black presentation box. The Sgian Brew measures:
Overall Length 170mm x Width 28mm x Depth 12.5mm
Blade Length 80mm x Width 25mm
As with all my pieces i have applied my company logo “UBC” with pyrography, in this case on the bottom rear of the handle.