Damascus Steel Sgian Dubh in Laburnum and African Blackwood, 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 dagger for “Sgian” and black for “Dubh”.
This is part of my new range of triple Hardwood Sgian Dubhs. I have always tried to offer the most original and eye catching Sgian Dubhs on Etsy so really wanted to push the boat out for this new range.
I have used some beautiful Scottish Laburnum for the main part of the handle. This particular piece came from Balmacara, West Coast of Scotland just a stones throw from the Isle of Skye. Laburnum is usually a chocolate brown with beautiful golden flecks running through the grain. This piece that i harvested was extremely unusual as it had large sections of creamy brown heartwood that my wood guru, Robert the Spruce, in his 40 years of woodworking had never seen. It did have some dark heartwood, which i have used here but, again unusual with dark streaks and a translucent golden iridescence. The wood is also extremely hard and finishes to a high lustre.
I have also used some beautiful African Blackwood. This true Rosewood has a beautiful grain, jet black streaks intertwined with dark iridescent brown. It also has a high natural oil content that makes it very resistant to moisture. African Blackwood is a very traditional wood used in the making of Sgian Dubhs fitting the bill perfectly for a “Black Dagger”. The wood is also extremely hard and finishes to a high lustre and in this case goes perfectly with the Laburnum.
For a professional finish i have used some local Scottish Laburnum as a centre to lock the tang and the outer scales together. It was from the same piece as i used for the scales but was light which is completely unheard. It still retains Laburnums exquisitely intricate grain pattern but is more creamy light golden brown. Why this piece is this colour is an absolute mystery but to say that is is rare is a huge understatement.
The blade is made of 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 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 set it in the handle so that it measures just under 3.5″ to comply with current UK laws. I have left the blade unsharpened as Sgian Dubhs are mostly ornamental.
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 hand brush 3 coats of a tough polyurethane lacquer. From my experience this is the hardest wearing finish available for wood.
It comes complete with an attractive embossed black leather sheath and a black presentation box. The Sgian Dubh measures:
Overall Length 173mm x Width 27mm x depth of 11mm
Blade Length 84mm 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.