I am commissioning a custom sgian dubh myself so this video is very useful for me to be able to communicate my thoughts properly and be able to plan things realistically. Thank you!
Always enjoy! Sgian dubh is Black knife and traditionally worn in the woolen knee high sock traditional with the kilt. Classically, one side has a more flat profile so it fits well next to the calf. Nicely done!
It is testimony that you are a master craftsmen, when I can google an absurdly optimistic phrase such as "tactical Sgian Dubh" and nevertheless find a video where you have made one. You sir are a master of your craft.
Thanks for this one, Walter. A Sgian Dhu is near the top of my bucket list of knives to try my hand at making, as I frequently wear a kilt myself to honor my Celtic heritage and HATE wearing a pot-metal knife-shaped-object rather than a viable weapon. Of course, now you need to make a proper dirk to accompany that dress Sgian Dhu. And rest assured, I'll be carefully watching THAT video for further input, because I hope to make both as well...
Not only did I find out how Scottish my grandmas last name Kirkpatrick is I also fell in love with these type of knives recently, the pointier the better.
Kirkpatrick is fairly Irish. The Patrick part comes from St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. There's definitely a Scottish part to the name though
I just want too ask I use high carbon steel for my knives but I have 1011A steel at my disposal. I was just wondering if the carbon content was to low or will the alloys in it make for and improper heat treat. Thank you for any input. And the videos have helped me along also thank you
Hey Walter I need your help i just made a traditionnal tanto i quenched first in oil for 3 seconds then in water everything went well the edge seemed hard and the spine softer with a file test. I started to polish it with a 150 grit stone and i could start to see the hamon but now i went up the grits (3000) and the hamon completly went away... I applied lemon juice and nothing so i went back to my 150 stone and no hamon... I have no clue what happened and the file test sounds the same... any ideas?? I love your videos keep it up😉
French, he also has a facebook page that I got a response. If you go to his website, there may be a contact link. Either way, lemon juice? How many times did you etch it? I use lemon juice and then hand buff with Mothers Aluminum and mag wheel polish. I've gone from 5 to 20 etch's per blade to bing out the hamon. Depends on assorted factors. You said you quenched in oil first. Usually, it's water first and then oil.
My first observation is that these are good knives rather than being total crap which is what most so called Sgian Dubh are. They are the right size and shape to for modern Sgian Dubh. My best data which I suppose may be wrong is that most of these things were about the size and shape of the small old Hickory pairing knives. Since these were small edc knives meant to do all the tasks of daily life that computes to me. That they could be used as last ditch emergency weapons was not what they were worn out doing.
Hand sanding is the bane of my existence haha, I absolutely love knife making but hand sanding makes me crazy. I also just did my first knife with a brass split and mother of God was that a pain for a first time. Took me close to a week to get it fitted right and I still wound up with a gap on one side I was able to fix it and it's barely noticable but I know it's there.
I’m the exact opposite. I find the hand sanding to be very relaxing, a way to get out in the shop and get away from it all. To each his own I guess......You send me yor unfinished knives, and Ill do the detail work, and you do my forging/stock removal. LOL.
I dont know if youd want me forging anything for you. I have yet to forge a knife, all the ones I've made so far are just stock removal. I've done some practice stuff making little ornaments and a shoehorn, but I havent completed a forged knife yet. The biggest reason I get frustrated hand sanding is because I am fairly new to knife making and so I make a lot of mistakes while grinding so I have lots of things to fix with hand sanding. Once the knife is hardened and I'm doing the finish hand sanding I dont mind doing that so much it's just after grinding and I'm sanding out sander marks.
Bloody hell mate. That's nothing like a Sgian Dubh. It makes my blood boil to watch this. If want traditional order it from a Scottish maker and get a proper shape and size - not this crap. It'll be cheaper too! What an embarrassment of a knife. And yes I'm Scottish and live in Scotland and have a traditional Sgian Dubh that bears no resemblance to this shite.
@@johnmcfarlane13 Hi John, Thank you for the note back! My query to Walter was an effort to see if I could afford a gift to my Chief or the Chief of wife's clan when they visit Georgia / South Carolina USA next year. My Chief has dozens if not hundreds of Sgian Dubh(s) from many honoriams, so we wanted to present something memorable for his visit. A Sgian Dubh from a local bladesmith we thought would fit the bill! Something original and noteworthy and a token of their visit to GA/ SC. Walter's interpretation of both Sgian Dubh (s) is very unique, and very non-traditional, but exciting in the craftsmanship he demonstrates (even though he does support Clemson University football) ,lol. Take care, Slàinte!
@@jcs6347 I'd suggest if you want a traditional knife not to buy one from someone who discribes it as "wear with your kilt, or whatever" and gives zero fucks about making it in the first place. His "spin" is simply, not being bothered to do the research. Laochan means wee boy, not hero BTW.
How frigged up is your neck after a day of grinding? That doesn't look comfortable. As always great video, I both are beauties but the traditional is definitely more my style.
Walter, you call one of these twin knives “tactical,” meaning (I presume) the other is “not tactical.” What is your definition of “tactical”? These knives’ handle styles are different, but they are the same size and have the exact same function (cutting stuff). So why is one, and not the other, “tactical”?
Not Walter but generally speaking tactical knives in custom knife making as opposed to production knives where "tactical" tends to be a selling gimmick generally means that it has no extraneous features or sacrifices of function for aesthetics. Wood handles look fantastic and are plenty serviceable in working knives as they've been used for that for thousands of years, there's nothing wrong with them, but g10 is and other artificial materials are far more resistant to changes of humidity and physical damage. Brass bolsters do serve some purpose however with artificial materials that more-or-less lack a grain direction (Not technically true in the case of fiberglass reinforced nylon and carbon fiber but I digress) the use for them is greatly diminished to the point where having them on a knife isn't really worth it in terms of weight, as it adds nearly nothing to the overall practicality. Tl;dr Tactical knives are function over all else, form be damned. This is not to say non-tactical knives aren't useful or practical, no. Personally I use more 'traditional' knives for pretty much everything.
I'd say "tactical" is really just a nicer word for "combat" knife. Whether it's more functional is a different story, but it should be more geared towards the needs of self-defense/ combat applications. In this particular case the second knife has a lower saber grind with bigger grind angle, keeping the blade a little more robust, and a sturdier handle material with a texture that offers more traction.
TH-camVoice : I knew there’s supposed to be some connection between “tactical” things and combat. I’ve eve seen absurd things like “tactical pens” and “tactical wallets” advertised. But realistically, you can cut somebody about as well with one of these knives as another- especially since they are the same size and shape, and their weights can’t be very different
I'm a Scottish hobbyist knifemaker. I love them both and would be proud to wear either of those in my sock. Great work Walter.
I am commissioning a custom sgian dubh myself so this video is very useful for me to be able to communicate my thoughts properly and be able to plan things realistically. Thank you!
Love the more traditional one with the higher saber grind. Beautiful piece!
Always enjoy! Sgian dubh is Black knife and traditionally worn in the woolen knee high sock traditional with the kilt. Classically, one side has a more flat profile so it fits well next to the calf. Nicely done!
Trully privileged to watch an amazing artesian doing his craft. Great video Walter
It is testimony that you are a master craftsmen, when I can google an absurdly optimistic phrase such as "tactical Sgian Dubh" and nevertheless find a video where you have made one. You sir are a master of your craft.
Your videos are some of the most enjoyable to watch! Some day I hope to achieve this quality in making knives and videos.
Mr Sorrells, this is awesome! Love the walk though on the bolster. Would be cool to see a handle like the tactical version done by hand.
Awesome Video Walter thanks a lot for making them
The tactical one reminds me of a fixed version of the Benchmade Pardue 531, what a beautiful piece!
Sitting here with my second 3550 in almost 20 years... Mel sure made good working knives.
Toki52 - Exactly what I thought 👍
I absolutely love these knifes. The tactical variant is my favorite I think. Keep up the amazing g work
I love this type of video. You are a master.
Walter;
Another great video!
And Thanks!
I love both of these think I like the wood handles just a little bit more. Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls
Thanks for this one, Walter. A Sgian Dhu is near the top of my bucket list of knives to try my hand at making, as I frequently wear a kilt myself to honor my Celtic heritage and HATE wearing a pot-metal knife-shaped-object rather than a viable weapon. Of course, now you need to make a proper dirk to accompany that dress Sgian Dhu. And rest assured, I'll be carefully watching THAT video for further input, because I hope to make both as well...
Not only did I find out how Scottish my grandmas last name Kirkpatrick is I also fell in love with these type of knives recently, the pointier the better.
Kirkpatrick is fairly Irish. The Patrick part comes from St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. There's definitely a Scottish part to the name though
i defintly would like to get one like the tactical version one
El de mango de micarta esta buenisimo!!!!! Saludos!!!!!
Nice one👍
Can you make a video about making mosaic Damascus?
What a beauty 👌👍
I always have trouble hand sanding clear back to the plunge lines... More sanding
Hand sanding sucks.
I just want too ask I use high carbon steel for my knives but I have 1011A steel at my disposal. I was just wondering if the carbon content was to low or will the alloys in it make for and improper heat treat. Thank you for any input. And the videos have helped me along also thank you
I’m a little disappointed this video didn’t end with a shot of either Walter or customer Mark in full Scottish drag, knife and all.
would a 4 inch by 36 inch o6 1 by 30 inck belt and combination disck work please let me know ,on metal and knife making
Hmmm... new knife for Tactix Armory? The tactical Sgian Dubh?
I would love to know what the scalloped belts are called and are they factory?
What is the status of your folding knife?
Hey Walter I need your help i just made a traditionnal tanto i quenched first in oil for 3 seconds then in water everything went well the edge seemed hard and the spine softer with a file test. I started to polish it with a 150 grit stone and i could start to see the hamon but now i went up the grits (3000) and the hamon completly went away... I applied lemon juice and nothing so i went back to my 150 stone and no hamon... I have no clue what happened and the file test sounds the same... any ideas?? I love your videos keep it up😉
alright thanks for the advice
French, he also has a facebook page that I got a response. If you go to his website, there may be a contact link. Either way, lemon juice? How many times did you etch it? I use lemon juice and then hand buff with Mothers Aluminum and mag wheel polish. I've gone from 5 to 20 etch's per blade to bing out the hamon. Depends on assorted factors.
You said you quenched in oil first. Usually, it's water first and then oil.
Very nice profile!!!!
Do you sell the tactical model and if so how much
My first observation is that these are good knives rather than being total crap which is what most so called Sgian Dubh are. They are the right size and shape to for modern Sgian Dubh. My best data which I suppose may be wrong is that most of these things were about the size and shape of the small old Hickory pairing knives. Since these were small edc knives meant to do all the tasks of daily life that computes to me. That they could be used as last ditch emergency weapons was not what they were worn out doing.
Супер))))))👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻спасибо за подсказку!!!!!
Hand sanding is the bane of my existence haha, I absolutely love knife making but hand sanding makes me crazy. I also just did my first knife with a brass split and mother of God was that a pain for a first time. Took me close to a week to get it fitted right and I still wound up with a gap on one side I was able to fix it and it's barely noticable but I know it's there.
I’m the exact opposite. I find the hand sanding to be very relaxing, a way to get out in the shop and get away from it all. To each his own I guess......You send me yor unfinished knives, and Ill do the detail work, and you do my forging/stock removal. LOL.
I dont know if youd want me forging anything for you. I have yet to forge a knife, all the ones I've made so far are just stock removal. I've done some practice stuff making little ornaments and a shoehorn, but I havent completed a forged knife yet. The biggest reason I get frustrated hand sanding is because I am fairly new to knife making and so I make a lot of mistakes while grinding so I have lots of things to fix with hand sanding. Once the knife is hardened and I'm doing the finish hand sanding I dont mind doing that so much it's just after grinding and I'm sanding out sander marks.
Say Shhkeen Duve or black knife fitting that the yeesh tactical one is both sneaky and black
Walter, how can I contact you to find the cost to commission a traditional Sgian Dubh? Thanks
Bloody hell mate. That's nothing like a Sgian Dubh. It makes my blood boil to watch this. If want traditional order it from a Scottish maker and get a proper shape and size - not this crap. It'll be cheaper too!
What an embarrassment of a knife. And yes I'm Scottish and live in Scotland and have a traditional Sgian Dubh that bears no resemblance to this shite.
@@johnmcfarlane13 Hi John, Thank you for the note back! My query to Walter was an effort to see if I could afford a gift to my Chief or the Chief of wife's clan when they visit Georgia / South Carolina USA next year.
My Chief has dozens if not hundreds of Sgian Dubh(s) from many honoriams, so we wanted to present something memorable for his visit. A Sgian Dubh from a local bladesmith we thought would fit the bill! Something original and noteworthy and a token of their visit to GA/ SC. Walter's interpretation of both Sgian Dubh (s) is very unique, and very non-traditional, but exciting in the craftsmanship he demonstrates (even though he does support Clemson University football) ,lol.
Take care,
Slàinte!
@@jcs6347 I'd suggest if you want a traditional knife not to buy one from someone who discribes it as "wear with your kilt, or whatever" and gives zero fucks about making it in the first place. His "spin" is simply, not being bothered to do the research.
Laochan means wee boy, not hero BTW.
Why you didn't put epoxy under the bolster?
its peened on, so it isn't coming off. and if they are flat enough, they will be watertight, so rust isn't an issue
How frigged up is your neck after a day of grinding? That doesn't look comfortable. As always great video, I both are beauties but the traditional is definitely more my style.
Отличное перо!
Am I the only one that got nervous when he was refining the handle on the grinder without the blade taped?
Another great video, Walter - Thank you!!
Sensacional!
That wood almost resembles antler or bone!!
As the knife is single edged a nonsymmetrical handle would have been nice.
Walter, you call one of these twin knives “tactical,” meaning (I presume) the other is “not tactical.” What is your definition of “tactical”? These knives’ handle styles are different, but they are the same size and have the exact same function (cutting stuff). So why is one, and not the other, “tactical”?
Not Walter but generally speaking tactical knives in custom knife making as opposed to production knives where "tactical" tends to be a selling gimmick generally means that it has no extraneous features or sacrifices of function for aesthetics. Wood handles look fantastic and are plenty serviceable in working knives as they've been used for that for thousands of years, there's nothing wrong with them, but g10 is and other artificial materials are far more resistant to changes of humidity and physical damage. Brass bolsters do serve some purpose however with artificial materials that more-or-less lack a grain direction (Not technically true in the case of fiberglass reinforced nylon and carbon fiber but I digress) the use for them is greatly diminished to the point where having them on a knife isn't really worth it in terms of weight, as it adds nearly nothing to the overall practicality.
Tl;dr Tactical knives are function over all else, form be damned. This is not to say non-tactical knives aren't useful or practical, no. Personally I use more 'traditional' knives for pretty much everything.
Tactical is the aesthetic, also overused. Akin to bushcraft.
@@jonanderson5137 Ah so he really means tacticool.
I'd say "tactical" is really just a nicer word for "combat" knife. Whether it's more functional is a different story, but it should be more geared towards the needs of self-defense/ combat applications. In this particular case the second knife has a lower saber grind with bigger grind angle, keeping the blade a little more robust, and a sturdier handle material with a texture that offers more traction.
TH-camVoice : I knew there’s supposed to be some connection between “tactical” things and combat. I’ve eve seen absurd things like “tactical pens” and “tactical wallets” advertised. But realistically, you can cut somebody about as well with one of these knives as another- especially since they are the same size and shape, and their weights can’t be very different
I’m surprised how little epoxy you use. I guess thats why my knives look like crap and yours don’t! Lesson learned.
Cnc machines. Are cool for true. But, oh lord woncha buy me a Bader b3. My friends all drive Porsche’s I must make a mends.
can i have one pls pls
I hope this guy doesn't consider himself a blacksmith
Why? He forges blades just fine.
Technically he's a bladesmith
👍👌👏