Scottish Dirk from Anne

Bill M · 7th November 2007, 12:02 PM

Anne got me this neat Scottish Dirk for a birthday present. Came from a good friend of ours who lives in England. I don't have anything like this though I am descended from the Wilson Clan and have that heritage.

The handle is offset so it could be comfortably carried in a sock or boot.

It was made by James McLay Glasgow gunmaker, cutler and ironmonger at 4 Candlerigs in Glasgow, Scotland as of 1812, based on an entry in Walter M'Feat's Glasgow Directory 1799-1827.

Probably made from "shear steel."

Anne has been suggesting that it would really "fit best" in her "kitchen gallery." While we both like edged weapons, she likes the smaller knives. Maybe I'll let her "borrow" it.

And maybe for her birthday, I'll get her an outboard motor.

David · 7th November 2007, 02:15 PM

I nice and interesting knife that you obviously have very good provenence on, but is it reall a "dirk". It certainly doesn't follow the form i am familar with or what is shown in the evolution of the dirk on this website:
http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_spot_dirks.html

Bill M · 7th November 2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I nice and interesting knife that you obviously have very good provenence on, but is it reall a "dirk". It certainly doesn't follow the form i am familar with or what is shown in the evolution of the dirk on this website:
http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_spot_dirks.html

Good "point" as Battera

would say.

You are certainly correct, the dirks do have a different blade. I looked at your link and can see that, so should we just call it a "dagger?" Or something else?

Ferguson · 7th November 2007, 02:59 PM

A knife maybe? Perchance a bolo, or a sundang?

A knife by any other name would look as sweet.

Either way, a sweet piece!

steve

Jim McDougall · 7th November 2007, 03:11 PM

Very handsome Scottish knife, especially in that it is nicely marked.....having the maker established in that period a definite plus!
These small knives that were often carried in the stocking were typically called skean dubh ,which loosely translated from Gaelic meant dark or black knife, not that they were necessarily black. The dirks were of course much larger and often crafted from baskethilt blades.
Nicely done Anne!! You're a lucky guy Bill!!! on both counts

All the best,
Jim

David · 7th November 2007, 03:34 PM

Jim, you might be right, sgian dubh might be the right name here, but without demensions i was a little uncertain about the actual size of this knife. How big is it Bill? (the knife i mean

)

7th November 2007, 12:02 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Scottish Dirk from Anne Anne got me this neat Scottish Dirk for a birthday present. Came from a good friend of ours who lives in England. I don't have anything like this though I am descended from the Wilson Clan and have that heritage. The handle is offset so it could be comfortably carried in a sock or boot. It was made by James McLay Glasgow gunmaker, cutler and ironmonger at 4 Candlerigs in Glasgow, Scotland as of 1812, based on an entry in Walter M'Feat's Glasgow Directory 1799-1827. Probably made from "shear steel." Anne has been suggesting that it would really "fit best" in her "kitchen gallery." While we both like edged weapons, she likes the smaller knives. Maybe I'll let her "borrow" it. And maybe for her birthday, I'll get her an outboard motor. Last edited by Bill Marsh; 7th November 2007 at 12:21 PM. Reason: add picture

7th November 2007, 02:15 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,103	I nice and interesting knife that you obviously have very good provenence on, but is it reall a "dirk". It certainly doesn't follow the form i am familar with or what is shown in the evolution of the dirk on this website: http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_spot_dirks.html

7th November 2007, 02:59 PM	#4
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	A knife maybe? Perchance a bolo, or a sundang? A knife by any other name would look as sweet. Either way, a sweet piece! steve

7th November 2007, 03:11 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,898	Very handsome Scottish knife, especially in that it is nicely marked.....having the maker established in that period a definite plus! These small knives that were often carried in the stocking were typically called skean dubh ,which loosely translated from Gaelic meant dark or black knife, not that they were necessarily black. The dirks were of course much larger and often crafted from baskethilt blades. Nicely done Anne!! You're a lucky guy Bill!!! on both counts All the best, Jim

7th November 2007, 03:34 PM	#6
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,103	Jim, you might be right, sgian dubh might be the right name here, but without demensions i was a little uncertain about the actual size of this knife. How big is it Bill? (the knife i mean )