New Sgian Dubhs
What's new & work in progress

Welcome
I first started making Sgian Dubhs when I couldn't find one that I would personally like to own, at a price that I could still afford.
Primarily I was looking for an authentic style Sgian Dubh with a real wooden handle that was traditionally decorative and functional and which looked natural when worn with the kilt.

You may find one of my currently available Sgian Dubhs that you too would like to own, or if you'd like one specially made to order then please ask me about a Custom Sgian Dubh.

Rab Gordon ~ contact

Unique & Collectable

Each one of my Sgian Dubhs has its own character, so each is assigned an individual reference number starting 'SG'. This number can be engraved upon the knife blade on request and is written in the presentation box as standard.
Whether as a gift or for yourself, there are a large number of customisation options.


"I wanted my husband to have a sgian dubh that he could proudly keep forever, and I am sure this will delight him. Thank you very much for providing an heirloom product and for your time."
Marie Russell, Nevada, USA, SG297
See more customer feedback

The Sgian Brew - A safe alternative
Safety Sgian Dubhs
'Sgian Brew' Bottle Openers

Sgian Dubh Blades

Damascus knife blades consist of contrasting steels folded and forged together. Most standard Sgian Dubh blades are Stainless Steel. I can offer blades in other materials, ie. Silver or Titanium
See my Sgian Dubh Blades page for more details.

Engraving
A special inscription or design can be engraved or carved into the ferrules, blade or wood handle.
see Custom Sgian Dubh options.

Ferrules
The metal fittings at the top and base can be supplied in Sterling Silver (Hallmarked Loch-Ness-Silver), Titanium (Aerospace Grade) or Brass.

Gaelic Proverb engravings
SG324A & SG324B ~ A pair of Sgian Dubhs for brothers.
Culloden bog oak handles, one with a silver ferrule and one with brass
The Damascus blades are engraved with Gaelic proverbs.

Money Back Guarantee
I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well my Sgian Dubhs compare with the mass produced plastic imitations or those very rare, expensive and totally hand made Sgian Dubhs. However, I confidently offer a money back guarantee on every one.

See what my previous customers have said of their Sgian Dubhs

Craftmanship
Each Sgian Dubh is individually made, carefully hand finished and assigned a unique number. However, you don't have to live in the Dark Ages to produce high quality, traditional goods and I don't claim that my Sgian Dubhs are totally hand made.
I have developed my own methods and techniques and take full advantage of modern technology whereever appropriate. I have even designed and built my own equipment which helps me to offer you exceptional quality at a price you can still afford.

Real Wooden Handles

I make each handle in our workshop which overlooks Loch Ness, using local woods where available (the Oak from Glen Urquhart carves very nicely.) as well as traditional exotic woods such as Ebony, African Blackwood and Rosewood.
The wood is given an oiled finish and lightly waxed to give a traditional, natural look and feel.
more info

Sgian Dubh Handles
Ebony handle with Silver Studs

The origins of the name Sgian Dubh (Gaelic for Black Knife) are thought to have emerged from this knife's dark appearance - the early handles were often made from dark bog wood and the blade would become dark through use and age.
A second theory is that it originated from the dark or sinister nature of an easily concealed weapon - which is why it has become traditional to keep the Sgian Dubh in open view in the top of the stocking whilst wearing Highland attire, usually the Kilt, to show that its wearer is amongst friends and has no ill intent.

Leather Sheaths

My Sgian Dubhs are supplied with the best quality leather scabbards as standard.
These sturdy, long lasting sheaths are made from top grade saddle leather offcuts by one of the finest saddle makers in the world.

Available in Brown, Tan & Black

Custom options are available.
Leather Sheaths

Sgian Dubh
Dark Higland Oak, Brass and a Damascus blade
   "SG 224 arrived this morning, it was worth the wait, a beauitful peice of craftsmanship. I will value it the rest of my life, once again thank you. "
George Smith, Ontario, Canada. (SG224)

The spelling of 'Sgian Dubh'
Sgian Dubh is Gaelic for Black Knife and often misspelled skean dhu, sgain dhubh, skean doo, sgians dhus, etc.

Here is a link to a good article with further information on the history of the Sgian Dubh.