Welcome to Fergus Sgian Dubh.

We specialise in creating bespoke Sgian Dubh. We collaborate with local artisans to ensure that the product you receive is of exceptional quality and authenticity; We use real wood, shaped and finished by hand. Precious metals, crafted by a local Jeweller for the fittings and pommel stones individually fashioned. A local leatherworker creates our bespoke sheaths. The blades are manufactured in the ‘Steel City,’ Sheffield. We bring this together to create a product that is bespoke and unique, built to your own specifications. A Sgian Dubh you will be proud to own it and pass to future generations.

Although we are based in England, I take great pride in my Scottish heritage, growing up in a family with strong Scottish traditions. My grandfather, also spent his military service in Highland regiments and I subsequently became the third generation from my family, to serve with the Liverpool Scottish (1/51Highland), including a piper.

So why have we set up the company?

I was searching for a Sgian Dubh to wear with a handmade kilt. I found that there is a wide selection of Sgian Dubhs available, mainly mass produced or resin replicas, but I was disappointed that I couldn’t find what I actually wanted, something unique to me.

So, while I was searching for the elusive knife, I came across a company that provided individual parts. I was confident I could put one together so I set about creating a Sgian Dubh from the components and that was the start of our journey. After a number of attempts, I created the Sgian Dubh that I had imagined and I am proud to wear. I have built on each experience improving and refining those skills.

We sought advice and feedback to overcome what I saw as imperfections, and develop the style and finesse of our designs. The best advice I was given, was simply, ‘…its hand made, its not supposed to be perfect, but it is unique’. This was the catalyst that helped us to recognise the craftsmanship and quality of the Sgian Dubh we could produce. So, after some years in the making, we were good to go, which is why I have now launching the company.

If you are looking for your own unique Sgian Dubh, be it a classic design that echoes the past or a contemporary creation, we will make you a bespoke product, to your own specifications, to own and wear with pride. Each individual Sgian Dubh we create is a testament to the legacy of Highland tradition. We are confident that you will be totally satisfied with the final result and we offer an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

Robert Fergus McGowan - Founder