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 beautiful, highly figured Scottish Burr Wych Elm. I harvested the burr that i used for this particular knife from a tree in that grew near Banchory, East Coast of Scotland and have been waiting for it to dry for a few years now. Distinguishable from European Elm, its Highland cousin Wych Elm has green streaks running throughout. Since i began this journey it has been one of my favourite local woods and my most popular Scottish hardwood by far, by my customers. Rich mid browns, tones of cream, yellow and green with a golden iridescence and an intricate burr grain pattern. This burr is an exceptionally good example of this beautiful wood at its best.
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 tree that grew near 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 which goes perfectly with the Burr Wych Elm.
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 that leave a hardwearing satin sheen. The blade is Stainless Steel and measures under 3.5″ to comply with UK knife laws. The blade of a Sgian Brew has a far more substantial thickness to a Sgian Dubh blade, just under 3mm so adds a weighty quality feel to the piece. It comes complete with an attractive embossed black leather sheath and a black presentation box.
The Sgian Brew measures:
Overall Length 169mm x Width 27mm x Depth 13.2mm
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.