The first and only guide to the skean, a native Irish derivative of the Scottish dirk. This is the history of the distinctive fighting knife of the Gaelic Irish, the skean (Irish: scian). Author Robert Gresh has scoured primary sources for references to the weapon in use and travelled to examine the known surviving examples. The skean fell into disuse in the 18th century without being well documented, and surviving examples are often out of sight in reserve collections, private collections, or small local museums. Today, the skean is sought after by reenactors and collectors, but before now, there has not been any definitive work on the subject. This study is intended to aid collectors and curators in the identification of original artifacts, while also assisting fabricators in the creation of replica pieces. Also included is information on manufacturing and fighting techniques. AUTHOR: Robert Gresh is a lifelong student of Irish arms and armor. He has reviewed reserve collections in Ireland and correctly identified a skean in the possession of a prominent British collector, which was mislabeled as a Scottish dirk. He also authored books on Irish Armies of the 16th Century and The Nine Years War, 1594-1603. SELLING POINTS: . The first and only guide to the skean, a native Irish derivative of the Scottish dirk . Smiths will find the information they need to reproduce fair copies . Collectors will learn how to identify original examples of the skean 115 colour and b/w images
Industry Reviews
It is a truly excellent book, well done. I will make a longer and a shorter skean from the book and then make a film about them and the book... the book is already a wealth of information and detail. -- Tod Todeschini, a replica arms manufacturer and YouTuber
I just received The Skean the other day and I am GOBSMACKED! First off, I didn't expect it so soon... Secondly, it is absolutely, positively AMAZING! I wish all such sources were so well done! This is the perfect fusion of info for academics, collectors, and living history cutlers. -- Terry Bond, Historic Jamestown Museum
This is an excellent in-depth introduction to a little known or explored historical fighting knife that remains elusive today...Whilst a very much in depth and academic approach to the Skean I found the book very easy to read. I would highly recommend this publication to edged weapons collectors, particularly those who have an interest in early knives and how they were employed from a military perspective. I hope that this publication may yet bring to light more original examples that have perhaps been incorrectly identified in the past. -- Cathey Brimage Editor of Barrels and Blades and Secretary of the Heritage Arms Society
