Welcome to Fergus Sgian Dubh - where modern artistry blends with tradition and heritage.

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. A local leatherworker creates our bespoke sheaths. The blades are manufactured in the ‘Steel City,’ Sheffield. We bring this together to create a Sgian Dubh that is bespoke and unique, built to your own specifications. 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 and the legacy of my ancestors. I grew up in a family with Scottish traditions and was heavily influenced by my grandfathers military service in Highland regiments.

I subsequently became the third generation from my family, including a piper, to serve with the Liverpool Scottish (1/51Highland). This solidified my interest in highland dress, and Scottish martial tradition.

So why have we set up the company?

I started looking for a Sgian Dubh to wear with a handmade kilt. I found a multitude of mass produced or resin replicas, most of which did not compliment the kilt. I was disappointed that I couldn’t find what I actually wanted.

While searching for the elusive knife, I came across a company that provided individual parts. With a background in construction, I was confident I could make one myself. I contacted a friend, a highly skilled woodworker, to help me refine and nuance my skills. We set about creating a Sgian Dubh from the components; that was the start of our journey.

After a number of disappointing attempts, we created the Sgian Dubh that I had imagined and I was proud to wear. Over the next few years, we built on each experience improving and refining our 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 from a sporran maker, who said, simply, ‘…its hand made, its not supposed to be perfect’. This was the catalyst that helped us to recognise the craftsmanship and quality of the Sgian Dubh we were able to produce. So, after some years in the making, we were good to go, which is why I am now launching the company.

If you are seeking a classic design that echoes the past or a contemporary creation, we will make you a bespoke product, uniquely yours, to own and wear with pride. Each Sgian Dubh we create is a testament to a rich legacy of heritage and 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