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 recent 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


SG241B ~ Mammoth Ivory handle with Sterling silver fittings and a Damasteel blade.
"SG241B arrived a few hours ago. I enjoy my new knife. You have done a great job. It's a very harmonius and well made knife. Quality, Rab. As a part-time knifemaker I know that you have had quite a few sleepless nights making this knife. 
Thank you for your great work ......."

Per Micheelsen, DK Denmark

SG429

SG429alt2
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.


SG429alt1

SG538
SG538 ~ Ebony handle and sheath with Sterling silver fittings and a Damascus blade.
"Thanks so much for the Sgian Dubh - it is absolutley stunning & Adam wore it with pride on our wedding day."
Sally Williams, England.

Hounds
Cast Silver Hounds Pendant
"I wanted a Celtic Hound pendant as a commemoration of my dear Dog Shaka when he died. He had traveled with me to Scotland from America and was my fellow adventurer for many years.  I found Rainnea Ltd on the Internet and realised their style of work was exactly what I wanted. The pendant is beautiful and very comforting to me, being especially meaningful because it is one-of-a-kind, made by such a fine artisan."
Michelle Miller Allen, Scotland

Sgian Dubh cutting the wedding cake


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.


SG511 ~ Rosewood
Handle with Sterling Silver Inlay and Damascus Blade.
Presentation piece for
RAF 230 Squadron

"we were delighted with it, thankyou for all your hard work.
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

Titanium Plectrum
Custom made Titanium Celtic Guitar Plectrum
with quick release Sterling Silver clasp

"The finished product is exactly the same as
the service, beautiful and personalised.
"
Jamie Dalrymple, Livingston, Scotland.

Highland Dirk having cut the Haggis on Burn's Night
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.

Ruby Infinity Rings
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.


Silver Guitar Plectrum
Custom made Sterling Silver Guitar Plectrum

"It's absolutely super - thank you so much...
Paul was absolutely made up"
Gerry Lloyd, England.


Custom made Sterling Silver and Garnet Pendants
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 Brew

right: SG484 - Photo supplied by Chris,
Handle is carved from an Isle of Jura Whisky Barrel
Brass ferrule bands
Brass pins on front of handle and top stud
Drop-Forged Bottle Opener

"Rab, The Sgian Brew is phenomenal!
The quality is out of this world! "
Chris



Sgian Brew with a good ale

 


SG476
Handle: Stag Horn from the hillside by Loch Ness with Culloden Bog Oak and Sterling Silver top stud.
Blade: laminated Japanese blade with VG10 / Damascus

"The sgian dubh arrived in today's mail.  It is exquisite.  A real
treasure.  Your remarkable artistry and aesthetic taste have produced a singular work of art in this piece. 
It is beyond my expectations and I hope to meet you someday on a trip to Scotland and shake your hand."

Tracy McCallum, New Mexico, US.



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


"The Sgian Dubh arrived safe and sound last Monday and it is BEAUTIFUL.  My husband is over the moon with it.
He couldn't stop looking at it when I gave it to him!  The craftsmanship is outstanding and thank you for making it in time for his birthday. I can't tell you enough how pleased we are with it, it is truly a work of art."

Jane Nicholson, Bucks, England.



SG374 ~ Rosewood with brass fittings, brass Celtic knot inlays on both sides with names engraved.
"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"
Alan and Pam Spence


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.

Sgian Dubh with Amber Pommel
SG384 ~ Culloden Bog Oak handle with Amber pommel stone, Silver Ferrules, Damascus blade engraved with special inscription.

"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."
Alison Hunter, Falkirk, Scotland.

Right, close up of the Amber pommel stone.

more Sgian Dubh pommel stones

Amber Pommel


SG405 ~ Handle carved from an Isle of Jura whisky barrel, Sterling silver ferrules with engraved initials, Damascus blade with bottle opener.
" a pleasure to work with Rab, detail oriented and a true craftsman.."
"...a piece of ART that I will be proud to pass on to my son one day"
Jeffrey House, North Carolina, United States.


SG294 ~ Ebony handle with Sterling silver clan crest inlay and ferrules, sharpened Damascus blade.
"The Sgian Dubh arrived today... and I have to say that the workmanship is very, very good indeed. Your attention to detail is wonderfully meticulous."
Jeffery Menz, California, USA.

"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.
I have had the honour to examine several antiques, and this one is the equal to any of them. For years, I have worn a "Made In ?" sgian dubh, and have searched for a real one, with a real blade, that I would be proud to wear, and now I have at last found it. Please keep up the fine work. I will recommend you to other customers.
Sincerely, Thomas Allen Bruce
Lieutenant to the Chief of the Name of Bruce"


SG415 ~ Ebony, Brass & Damascus


SG377 ~ Rosewood, Brass and Damascus
"I thought it best just to drop you a quick line to say how much I admire and appreciate the work and craftsmanship which went into making the Sgian Dubh which Lesley got from you for my birthday - it really is quite stunning."
Graham Thompson, Dubai.


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.



Presentation case with the recess hollowed out from solid oak.


SG332 ~ Culloden Bog Oak handle and sheath.


Dragon on case lid matches the one engraved on the ferrule

 


Silver guitar plectrum / necklace.
"I received the necklace the other day and just wanted to say you
have done an amazing job! The piece is better than i could have imagined and i cannot thank you enough for the help and great communication
throughout the necklaces production"

Graham Hollinger, Dumfies, Scotland.


Custom made Toboso signet rings.
" I want to acknowledge safe and timely receipt of my Toboso Ring. But more importantly I want to complement the piece. It is very beautiful and I already treasure it. It also fits perfectly. Thank you so much for your good work, and for your courteous communication throughout."
Don Ciaran, Aberdeen, Scotland.

 



"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


"I would like to say WOW!!!! Everything is tremendous. I can't wait to give my future son-in-law his Sgian Dubh. I can't thank you enough for all you did in getting me my items so quickly. Your work is beyond what I'd hoped for."
Doug West, Alabama, USA. SG317A&B


"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."
Iain MacLean, Ontario, Canada. SG356
"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


"I received the Sgian Dubh today. Thanks very much for the quick delivery and for expediting the order. Thanks also for the extra crest. The knife looks great. I'm sure it will become a family heirloom. Wonderful work."
Gerard Doran, Pennsylvania, USA. SG336


"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
"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


"The craftsmanship is superb.
It is difficult to find quality products such as this these days.
Thank you very much."

Leighton Cameron, Ontario, Canada. SG288


"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


"I have received your sgian dubh and it is beautiful. I wanted my husband to have a sgian dubh that he could proudly keep forever, and I am sure this will delight him. Thank you very much for providing an heirloom product and for your time."
Marie Russell, Nevada, USA, SG297

"It was truly a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and had the desired
effect of rendering its recipient speechless when he saw it.
I'm sure it will be worn with pride for many many years to come."

Ray Houston, London, England. (SG467)
_______________________________________________

"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."
Kate Munro,Wiltshire,England.(SG272)

 

"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)
___________________________________________


"Please find attached  a picture of the knife sitting on a piece of the Queensland Hunting Tartan. I wear a kilt of the same and yesterday the Sgian Dubh had its first outing at a function I attended in Highland Dress. Thanks for both making me such a beautiful object. "
Paul Holland, Queensland, Australia. (SG221)

"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!"
John Taylor, California, USA (SG225A & SG225B)

"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)
Clan Crest inlay Sgian Dhu
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
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."
Joe Starrett, Florida (SG217)

 

"It looks great and is what I hoped for.
Love the handle and the silver work."
Quentin Irving, Wiltshire, England (SG192)

"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 "
Maureen Quinn, UK.(SG257)

"Dear Rab,  The Sgian dubh arrived today and is wonderful.  It is everything I expected and more, thank you for your work and rest assured I will treasure it."
Stephen Clarke, New Zealand (SG211)

Ebony, Sterling Silver, Damascus Blade

"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)
Highland Oak and Damascus Blade

"Was very suprised when the order I made yesterday turned up today! And its a beauty as well. Exactly what I was after. So many of the Sgian Dubhs I looked at looked so cheap even though they were quite expensive. So I didn't mind shelling out a bit more so I didn't have to comprise at all, it's perfect. I look forward to wearing it at my wedding. Thank you!"
Ed Bateman, Bristol, England (SG215)
Sgian Dubh
Highland Oak, Sterling Silver, Damascus Blade
"the one thing I wanted to bring home to New Zealand with me, was a good quality Sgian Dubh. I looked and looked, but everything looked so mass produced or “plastic”, until I saw the items on display from your Studio. I purchased SG176, it's absolutely beautiful and I will treasure it, as well as use it while camping and hunting. I feel it's something I could keep and hand onto my children, that's how much I value it!"
John Forbes Styles, New Zealand (SG176)

"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."
Alastair Hall, Haute-Garonne, France (SG275)

"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!"
Nicholas Munro, Edinburgh (SG280)

"I received my sgian dubh safely this morning
I've had a chance to 'pick it up and admire it' and I am very pleased with it! It's got an honesty and integrity that many of the others I've found on the net don't have."
David Harding, West Yorkshire, England (SG194)

"Thank you very much for your prompt attention to our order.  We are more than satisfied with the Sgian Dubh, beautiful work, and a good feel to it. Many thanks."
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)
"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."
Brett Hartley, Wisconsin, USA (SG189)
"it is beautiful, certainly a fine work of art. thanks again for everything."
Jim Jacobs, Pennsylvania, USA (SG147B)
"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)


SG185 ~ Culloden Bog Oak & Solid Sterling Silver blade engraved with Celtic Knotwork

"I just received my sgian dubh and I think you did a great job. I'm very pleased with it ! The damascus blade is beautiful, I'm very satisfied with this piece of art ! I'm a knives collector and I already own a few sgian dubh. Your piece takes a good place in my collection. Thank you again."
Alain Furrer, Geneva (SG107)

'The Gordon Highlander'
Culloden Bog Oak & Sterling Silver fittings, Damascus blade diamond engraved front and back
"Arrived safely today and what can I say, perfect.
Thanks for a great job"
Roger Griffiths, Norfolk, England (SG187)

"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.
Thank you once again for making my day!"

Kind regards, Liz Rivers, Isle of Man.
SG331 ~ Ebony handle and sheath, silver ferrules, inlay and pins, real Cairngorm pommel stone.


"It arrived - fantastic.  I am absolutely stunned.  It is very rare that something is actually better than you'd imagined.
Thank you very much and thank you for managing to do it within such a tight time scale."

Ian Hayton, London, England.
SG360 ~ Ebony handle and sheath, silver ferrules and pins, Fife red jasper pommel stone.


"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.

 


SG375 ~ Oak, Damascus and Brass
"Just a note to say thank you for the beautiful Sgian Dubh.
Al wore it with pride on our wedding day and it was much admired both in Scotland and Alberta, Canada.
"
Louise Schoepp, Alberta, Canada.

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