Hand Forged Poachers Dirk with 1075 steel, whisky barrel band, Red Deer antler. (Highland Dress, Bushcraft Re-enactment & Wedding Cutlery).
 
Forged whilst thinking on the legendary poachers who risked life, limb and transportation for feeding the common folk in times of need
 
From metal forging to leather work, all our products are sourced and crafted by our hands in our Scottish workshop. The blade is traditionally hand forged from an antique farriers rasp in our outdoor workshop. Once forging is completed, the blade goes through a heat treating and tempering cycle to give a reliable but sharp edge, adding to the authentic Scottish blacksmithing experience.
 
The handle has been hand crafted from Cairngorm Red Deer antler and reclaimed whisky barrel band. Shaped in the grip style that whilst odd in the modern context, made sence in the martial culture of the time. When grabbed in haste the hand falls on the handle exactly where it needs to be with room for holding the targe. The handle has been hand carved using simple motifs in keeping with historical examples, complemented with reclaimed copper furniture. It has been hand fitted and treated with environmentally-friendly beeswax (from a local farm) to give a beautiful, long lasting, polish.
 
As close to touching our Scottish past, without time travel (or Outlander).
 
What is a Dirk? Scottish Highland Dirks were originally used as an everyday multi-purpose tool and weapon. They supposedly evolved from Bollock Daggers but also can be seen much earlier, as you can see in the shape of the lobed handle. This type of 1700's Dirk, featured prominently in Outlander and current with the Jacobite Rebellion (1680s-1750s), is unique to Scotland. A gem in any collectors' hoard.