Please also visit some of our other galleries;
Custom
Jewellery, Custom Motorbike parts, Wood and Stone Carvings
Celtic & Pictish Artwork and Graphic Design Portfolio
Gallery of work / Customer Feedback
I'd like to thank everyone for granting permission to print these comments.
It has been a pleasure working with you all.
Rab Gordon
Please visit the Rainnea Blog which we're now using for new updates.
 "The sgian dubh is in front of me now, and I don't have the words to tell you how far it exceeds my expectations. You've done wonderful work! I was hoping for something special, and you rewarded me with that and more. It's a delight to find genuine craftsmanship and artistry. I'll be proud to wear and use my black knife, and I'll happily refer anyone who asks to Rainnea. Thank you once again, Rab. I'm delighted!" John Welsh, California. SG366 |
"Recieved the Sgain and kilt pin at the weekend. They are just what I was looking for. The quality of work is absolutely excellent and almost impossible to find anywhere else. Thanks very much for the tie pin. Will be more than happy to recommend anyone to your shop." Ian Backhouse, Hampshire, England (SG216) "I just got my Sgian Dubh yesterday. The knotwork is great. I couldn't have bought a better sgian dubh anywhere after looking at this. Plus it really feels like it has meaning to me because the wood used. This definitely will be more than just part of my highland garb, and it is functional too. I will definitely be ordering another sgian dubh soon. Great Work!" Chris Vaught, Virginia, USA. SG292 "The Sgian Dubh arrived last week and it surpassed all expectations.
Thank you for the most expeditious delivery and an item which I am sure will be a future heirloom. I will be ordering again."  Pictish Salmon custom kilt pin in Sterling Silver "Just a quick note to say thank you for the lovely kilt pin, it got it's first outing Hogmanay and looked fab!" Wendy, Drumnadrochit, Scotland. |
"I received my sgian dubh today and it's magnificent! The engraving looks just as I had hoped and the carving on the handle is amazing. Thanks for building such a great piece . . . I'll wear it with pride." Glen Denning, Alaska, USA SG308 |
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 "I received the order of the Sgian Dubhs's this morning. They are both beautiful - something really very special. Thank you so much for taking time on these - I know they will be very much appreciated." Sarah Forbes, Aberdeen, Scotland. SG302A&B |
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 "The guys were floored by them, and I couldn't be happier with the work you did. I really appreciate everything you did, your patience, and your attention to the deadline. Thanks again for your craftsmanship and excellent service, it was a pleasure working with you on this." Scott Candey, Oregon,USA. SG263A,B,C&D |
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 "It's arrived... thank you. Really really gorgeous, even better than expected. I just love the bear motif and the carving on the handle is amazing. I can't wait to see my husbands face when I give it to him." Rebecca, London, England. SG293 |
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"It was truly a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and had the desired "Stuart loves his Sgian dubh, he says the weight, balance, feel and workmanship and quality are outstanding. Thank you so much. He is a truly difficult person to buy for, and it was so lovely to give him something that he will cherish always." |
As I come from a Scottish family and having a great interest in the history of Scotland when I ordered a Sgian Dubh I wanted something which was close to an original one. The Sgian Dubh which I received from you on Saturday made from Culloden Bog Oak with a Damascus Steel blade exceeded my expectations. It is a work of craftmanship, it is unique and is an item to treasure for ever. I can only say I am highly delighted with the end result. Thank you. John Anderson (2nd from left in photo) |
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My sgian dubh arrived today.....Simply awesome. Matt O'Connor |
 White Gold Wedding Rings with Celtic Knotwork "We received the rings today. They are absolutely stunning and fit perfectly. Thanks for your kind wishes and for doing a brilliant job on the rings. Regards, Jennifer and Keith" |
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"The belt buckle designed specifically for Leo's engagement present was a challenging ask, as we wished to have interlocking celtic lions in the centre of the buckle with a celtic pattern around the outside - although you would not have thought it was challenging from the impressive way Rab approached the request. The design was created by Rab and cannot be described as anything less than exquisite and superb! The end result was even better than we had imagined and it certainly helped to make Leo look even more gallant at our wedding reception. Rab also created a customised Sgian Dubh for us, to be given instead of a ring to Leo, during the vows of our wedding ceremony. The craftsmanship is just wonderful and we could not have been happier with both pieces! Thank you for your time and patience with us and for also working so hard to ensure they were ready and received for the days we wanted." Marsaili & Leo Heatley, Oxfordshire, England. 
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Custom Kilt Belt & Sgian Dubh Set SG586 ~ Sterling silver kilt belt with Caithness slate inlays.
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Celtic Engagement Ring and Earrings Set - 14ct Gold and Emerald ring, Sterling Silver Earrings |
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"The ring and the earrings are simply exquisite. My fiancee Claudia adores them and we want also the wedding bands to be made by you. Many thanks for your excellent work and for advising us about choosing the right stone and about the setting!" Richard Eife, England. More custom made wedding and engagement rings.
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 SG429 ~ Culloden Bog Oak handles & sheaths. Damasteel blades, silver fittings and pommel stones set with each brother's birth stone. "The sgian dubhs are superb. Both my brothers loved them. They were well worth the wait. I'll let you know when I need a set of dress dirks to match them."
Doug Schroder, Cornwall. |
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 SG720 ~ Rosewood, Silver and Damascus. "Hi, I received the sgian dubh yesterday, I'm extremely pleased! I was already impressed with the photos of it on your site, but seeing it in person far exceeded my [high] expectations! In short, it's a beautiful work of art that I'll wear with pride for as long as I'm around! Without hesitation, I'll be recommending your work to my kilted friends!" Marc, Ontario, Canada. |
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 SG335 ~ Culloden Bog Oak handle and sheath. Silver fittings and clan crest inlay. Montrose Onyx Agate pommel stone. Damascus blade engraved with names and wedding date. "Ian absolutely loved his Sgian Dubh, he couldn't believe it and was very pleased. I have attached some pictures for you to see." Holly, Somerset, England. Left: Using Ian's special Sgian Dubh to cut their wedding cake. 
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Several people asked about you on saturday night so we gave them your cards, thankyou again and hopefully we can do business in the future" Mrs Hunter, Co. Antrim. |
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 Highland Dirk with Damascus blade "Rab - thanks so much for the dirk - it really brought 'the address to the Haggis' alive at the Burns' Supper! It truly is a work of art which we shall treasure" Steve & Alexia, Fife, Scotland. |
 Sterling Silver and Ruby 'Infinity' rings made to our customer's design by local jeweller Keith Sim. "Just a wee note to say thanks again for the rings. My girlfriend loves them!" Andy, Edinburgh, Scotland. |
 Custom made Sterling Silver Guitar Plectrum "It's absolutely super - thank you so much... |
 Scottish Garnets set in Sterling Silver and bog oak surrounds with Celtic knotwork carving. "what a perfect setting you've designed for these wonderful Scottish garnets for the two most important ladies in my life" JT, California. |
The Sgian Brewright: SG484 - (Photo supplied by Chris) Handle is carved from an Isle of Jura Whisky Barrel "Rab,
The Sgian Brew is phenomenal!
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"The sgian dubh arrived in today's mail. It is exquisite. A real |
 SG438 ~ Ebony and Brass with Clan Macpherson inlay "My custom sgian dubh arrived today and I must say that I still cannot find the words to describe my pleasure. Your work from start to finish is beyond my highest expectations! You truly are artist with the highest degree of skill and attention to detail. Aristotle would have been proud to have you as a pupil, because if there was ever a perfect "sgian dubh", you captured it's essence in creating mine. I commend you, and I will heartily recommend you to my Clan Macpherson(Newtonmore & Kinguissie) if anyone wants an heirloom and work of art." Rev. Bill Lee-Smith, CA. USA |
 SG443 ~ Glen Urquhart Oak handle and sheath Damascus steel blade Brass ferrules Iona Marble Pommel Stone 
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"SG 374-- An elegantly simple design,executed with superb workmanship -- a tribute to Rab's skills----and giving a record of Family History for future generations" |
 SG433 ~ Culloden Bog Oak handle and sheath with Sterling silver fittings and a Damascus blade. "Mike is overwhelmed by the Sgian Dubh. The workmanship and attention to detail far surpassed anything i was expecting. It will be handed down to our son Mikey when Mike is done with it, and we hope, for generations to come. You certainly made his day when he opened it on our wedding morning. I would recommend your services to anyone thinking of getting a real sgian dubh as opposed to one of those plastic things you get in kilt shops." Angela Keay, Peterhead, Scotland. |
"Just to let you know that the sgian dubh arrived today. It looks fantastic. Thank you so much for making it for me. It will definitely become a family heirloom." Right, close up of the Amber pommel stone. |
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"The sgian dubh that I recently ordered from you arrived today, and it is everything I had hoped for and more. In fact, I believe it is the best made and balanced one I have ever seen. |
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 SG332 ~ Culloden Bog Oak handle and sheath. Angus Agate top pommel Solid Sterling silver blade and fittings Matching presentation case made from Glen Urquhart oak. "Just a note to let you know I couldn't be more pleased with Alastair's Sgian Dubh & case. The workmanship and quality of the items is just fantastic. I had an idea of what I wanted however with your invaluable help, the finished items have exceeded my expectations." Susan Caie, Aberdeen-Shire, Scotland.  |
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"I did many a trek up the Royal Mile looking for a Sgian Dubh to wear for the celebration. Well I have to tell you, although you possibly know any way, that all the ones for sale were either plastic or approaching that and probably made in China. It was not until after that I saw your website and thought this is what I am looking for. And you did not disapoint. The sgian dubh is a work of art and I will treasure owning it for many years to come.
Thank you again for your service and quality." Stuart McGleish, Shropshire, England. (SG279) |
"The beauties arrived today. Wow, simply incredible.
It was such a pleasure to work with you and Roddy on this, and the results are more than I had ever hoped for.
I hid my son's and will give it to him at dinner this Saturday night, as he will compete Sunday morning. Cannot wait to see his face light up when he sees what's in the box for him!" |
"I wanted to let you know how much my new husband loved his gift on our wedding day. He was totally blown away and couldn't stop showing it off to people, all of whom commented on how unusual it was. So beautifully crafted and a truly personalised gift. You were a pleasure to work with on this. Thank you so much for all your hard work - the result was a real piece of art." Mrs Murray , Glasgow (SG237) |
 Ebony handle with clan crest inlay, engraved ferrules and blade all metalwork, including blade in solid Sterling silver (SG237) |
 Bottle Opener in Culloden Bog Oak and Silver engraved with Pictish Wolves "Thanks! I'm very impressed. It was particularly nice to have a piece of Bog oak from an area near the battlefield where my ancestors fought and the wolves engraving representing the family crest works very well. Once again well done!" Kirk Robertson, Cheshire, England. (SG260) |
 Sgian Dubh in Higland Oak, Brass and a Damascus blade "SG 224 arrived this morning, it was worth the wait, a beauitful peice of craftsmanship. I will value it the rest of my life, once again thank you. " George Smith, Ontario, Canada. (SG224) |
  "Sgian Dubhs arrived safely. Am really happy with them. They are every bit as beautiful and well made as I'd hoped. Thanks for all your hard work and care and attention to detail over these." Ian Cramman, Yerevan (SG197A & SG197B) |
 Culloden Bog Oak and Glen Urquhart Oak handles with Pictish Hounds and Sterling Silver fittings. |
 "I knew I was waiting for something special, but this beauty is beyond expectations! Awe inspiring craftmanship and quality The texture of the heavy damascus blade is mesmerizing, the ebony handle and silver fittings make it complete...a work of art, heirloom stuff. I'll wear the sgian dubh with pride. Highly recommended...thanks Rab! " Robin Lous, The Hague, The Netherlands (SG208A) |
 Culloden Bog Oak handle, Sterling Siver fittings and Damascus blade. Special engraving for a christening present. "The Sgian Dubh arrived this morning and it's even better than I could have hoped for. I'm very pleased with it. Many thanks for your help with this." Paul MacFadyen, Edinburgh, Scotland (SG238) |
Clan McNeil engraved Sgian Dubh  "The sgian dubh and sheath are beautiful! Thank you for your patience and communication throughout this process. Your work is as genuine and artistic as anticipated from the website. This sgian dubh will be treasured always by our family." Michael and Lynn McNeil, Missouri, USA (SG209) |
 Highland Oak (Jacobean finish), Damascus blade and brass "I cannot describe how pleased we are with your work. Beyond expectations! It is truly beautiful and I cannot wait to give it to my groom. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and correspondence to deliver such an exquisite piece." Elizabeth Ward, South Carolina, USA (SG193) |
"It is just what I wanted to go with my kilt; authentic, subdued, elegant and of fine craftsmanship. I will certainly recommend you to friends and family.
It is rare today to find someone who obviously takes pride in what they produce. " James Nicol, California, USA (SG201) |
"Thank you, I received my Sgian Dubh today, I am so happy with the way it turned out." Mark West, California, USA (SG202) |
"Hi Rab, I just received the knife today and I am very pleased with it. It is exactly what I was looking for."
"It looks great and is what I hoped for. |
"Just a quick email to let you know how pleased I was with the sgian dubh I ordered for my partner. I was really pleased with the amazing craftsmanship, quality and prompt service and am sure he will be delighted :-) Many thanks " Stephen Clarke, New Zealand (SG211) |
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"Bonsoir Rab, just a quick note to say that the Sgian Dubh arrived safe & sound this morning. The actual knife is better than I had dared hope for, a beautiful but simple piece of craftsmanship, absolutely what I was looking for." "Hi Rab, My Sgian Dubh arrived this morning and is absolutely gorgeous. I'm delighted and will be proud to wear something so unique and Scottish with my kilt on my wedding day. Thanks for all your help and advice. I will recommend you!" "I received my sgian dubh safely this morning Iain & Annabel Laird, Hampshire, (SG169) |
"I'm quite delighted with it. It is something to have such a functional work of art & be able to wear it! I will look after it." Michael Cruse, Kincardineshire, Scotland (SG179) |
"I'm especially pleased with the bear sgian! You did a wonderful job. Thank you so much for taking the time and care that you did." Art Campbell, Massachusetts, USA (SG 186) |
"We were looking for a Sgian Dubh for the son of close friends to complete the Highland dress he was being given by relatives and friends to celebrate his 21st birthday. We wanted something a bit different, and after browsing several other websites, we found Rainnea. We were immediately impressed by what we saw, especially the Culloden bog oak handles. After a phone call to discuss what we wanted, Rab Gordon agreed to design a Sgian Dubh with a bog oak handle and Scottish silver blade engraved with a traditional Celtic patterns. He emailed us digital photos of possible designs and called us to discuss the fine detail. Once we had agreed the final design, the Sgian Dubh was produced, hall-marked in Edinburgh, and despatched extremely promptly. The lad was delighted with his gift, and several male generations of his family were highly covetous!! It was a pleasure dealing with Rainnea and the service provided was excellent - we look forward to dealing with them again in future." Colin Black, Leicestershire, England (SG185) |
"It is fabulous and is exactly what I was looking for. The Scottish re-enactors at the Ren Faires in my area will be drooling over it when they see it. If any of them are interested in picking up something of this level of authenticity, I will refer them to you." ----------- "it is beautiful, certainly a fine work of art. thanks again for everything." |
"Thank you so much Rab - it's absolutely beautiful; it looks amazing and feels good in the hand. You have done a great job and I am sure that my friend will be surprised and thrilled to receive this. |
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 "Just wanted to let you know that my blade arrived today in good order. Personally, the carving on the handle is my overall favorite, but the damascus blade is a close second." Brett Viestenz, California, USA. SG290 ~ Ebony handle and sheath, silver ferrules and pins, Moss Agate pommel stone. 
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Specially Commissioned Celtic Memorial Cross
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Please also visit some of these other galleries showing past works:
Custom
Jewellery, Custom Motorbike parts, Wood and Stone Carvings
Celtic & Pictish Artwork and Graphic Design Portfolio