Sgian Brew in Snakewood and Scottish Yew, bottle opener, 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 perhaps in a non-knife friendly event or just as a talking point.
I have made the primary outer handle of this Sgian Brew in Surinese Snakewood, one of the hardest and most expensive woods on the planet. It is the heartwood of a relatively small tropical tree and is reddish brown with black markings running throughout that resemble snakeskin. The iridescence on this super exotic wood has to be seen to be believed, when the sunlight hits it it it looks like its on fire! The amazing pattern of this wood also gives it its other name of Letter wood. Its almost unsurpassed hardness gives a finish like glass making it the ultimate knife handle.
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 Snakewood.
To finish and protect the wood I first apply a sealer of Shellac and Cellulose Thinners. This brings out the t trues colours and provides and stable base for the next finish. I then apply two type of industrial wax, the same finish as i use on my antler pieces. This leaves an attractive hard wearing satin sheen.
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 laws. 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 12.6mm
Blade Length 80mm x Width 25mm
As with all of my pieces i have applied my company logo “UBC” with pyrography, in this case on the bottom rear of the handle.