Damascus Steel Sgian Dubh, antler gift, 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 Hardwood/Antler 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. Both my Wood and Antler pieces sell really well so why not combine the two for those of you that can’t decide which one is for them.
I have made the primary outer handle of this Sgian Dubh from some local Scottish Walnut. This piece came from a local Highland Estate just North/East of Inverness. Walnut is a classic wood in woodcraft, mid to dark brown with a golden iridescence. For my new range of Hardwood/Antler Sgian Dubhs i wanted to make one with a handle that was made from entirely Scottish materials. For this piece it was important to me that the main handle scales were made from a darker hardwood that would contrast with the antler so Walnut was a clear choice.
The antler came from a stag that roamed the hills above Lairg, Sutherland. This is an extremely rugged part of Scotland and I’m sure it makes the Stags and their antlers extra tough! Antler is one of those materials that is a joy to work, approximately the working hardness of Oak, it responds well to careful working with both machine and hand tools. I have sanded it smooth to reveal the antlers true creamy white colour that often has flushes of pink and grey.
For a professional finish i have used some local Scottish Laburnum as a centre to lock the tang and the outer scales together. This particular piece of Laburnum came from a tree in Balmacara, West Coast of Scotland beside the Isle of Skye and i have been waiting for it to dry for a few years now. When the stump was cut open i could not believe my eyes. Normally Laburnum is a chocolate brown but as you can see by this piece, it certainly is not. My wood guru and mentor, Robert the Spruce, helped me cut the stump into manageable pieces and when the colour was revealed he was as surprised as me. He has over 40 years experience in wood and had never seen a piece of Laburnum like this. 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. I wanted a light coloured wood that would bring the Blackwood and Antler together and really feel this piece of Laburnum has done just that.
I have carved the overall handle shape to a traditional Sgian Dubh design and taken it a little further on the recesses for extra comfort. This piece has taken far more time than my other Sgian Dubhs but the finished result is, in my humble opinion, absolutely stunning!
To finish and protect the handle I could not use polyurethane varnish as this would turn the antler yellow. So in this case i first apply a sealer of Shellac and Cellulose Thinners only to the wood sections, this brings out the colour. Then i apply two types of industrial wax, the same as used on my antler kilt pins. This gives a hard wearing finish and an attractive sheen not dissimilar to a polyurethane finish.
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.
It 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 of just under 16mm
Blade Length 86mm 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.