Long Skean, Skean Fada, Irish Skean or in Gaelic the Scian, was THE fighting dagger of Irish warriors, particularly the Kern and the Gallowglass. Examples found from 1325 through to the 17th Century. They seemed to be made following two distinct patterns, the longer being the Skean Fada
The Skean was long and broad bladed, single edged and formidable, but was also made and assembled in a characteristically particular way for a dagger. The grip is small and waisted with a heavy spiral carving around the central section with brass rings top and bottom and the top ring being secured in place with steel wedges.
The leather sheath has incised decoration and comes a long way up the grip and is terminated in a chape formed of wound copper wire, another strange feature of the originals.
The design is based heavily on the "Corbally Skean”. And if you're interested in these knives, we thoroughly recommend 'The Skean' by Robert Gresh in which the Corbally Skean is featured.
Overall length 47cm/18.5"
Blade length 37cm/14.5”
Grip length 10cm/4”If you're interested in these knives, we thoroughly recommend 'The Skean' by Robert Gresh.
Edge sharpness is 'butter knife' sharp: it has a very fine flat on the edge.
Sharp has been ground to give a reasonable cutting edge but, final honing, if required, is up to the customer.
TC143
