Book review: The Skean
The Gaelic word Skain or Skean translates as 'knife'. It may be best known for the skene-dhu, a single-edged knife worn as part of the traditional Scottish Highland dress. However, there existed also a far less-known Irish version, which is described by Robert Gresh in the book ‘The Skean. The Distinctive Fighting Knife of Gaelic Ireland, 1500-1700’.
Gresh did not have an easy task, as the number of surviving specimens is extremely small. There were two types: the short Skean, or Miodóg, of which four examples are known, and the long Skean, or Scian Fada, of which seven examples have been found. Based on this very limited number, Robert Gresh has done an admirable job. Het writes about the history of the Skean, based on primary sources, discusses manufacture and possible export, described the fighting techniques and addresses the morphology of handles and sheaths. The second part of the book describes all surviving specimens. As most of these were archeological finds, they are nearly alle incomplete and heavily corroded, but Gresh presents artistical reconstructions.
The skean fell into disuse in the 18th century without being well documented. Today it is sought after by reenactors and collectors; there exist several well-made reproductions. The book can aid those wanting to recreate a Skean, by giving detailed drawings and dimensions.
A bibliography provides hints for further reading.
Robert Gresh, The Skaen. The Distinctive Fighting Knife of Gaelic Ireland, 1500-1700. 88 pages, 115 color and b/w images, hardcover. Schiffer Military Publishing 2023. ISBN 978-0-7643-6637-6. Price $ 24,99 (without shipping costs). For more information see https://www.schifferbooks.com. For UK/Europe see www.gazellebookservices.co.uk.
Gresh did not have an easy task, as the number of surviving specimens is extremely small. There were two types: the short Skean, or Miodóg, of which four examples are known, and the long Skean, or Scian Fada, of which seven examples have been found. Based on this very limited number, Robert Gresh has done an admirable job. Het writes about the history of the Skean, based on primary sources, discusses manufacture and possible export, described the fighting techniques and addresses the morphology of handles and sheaths. The second part of the book describes all surviving specimens. As most of these were archeological finds, they are nearly alle incomplete and heavily corroded, but Gresh presents artistical reconstructions.
The skean fell into disuse in the 18th century without being well documented. Today it is sought after by reenactors and collectors; there exist several well-made reproductions. The book can aid those wanting to recreate a Skean, by giving detailed drawings and dimensions.
A bibliography provides hints for further reading.
Robert Gresh, The Skaen. The Distinctive Fighting Knife of Gaelic Ireland, 1500-1700. 88 pages, 115 color and b/w images, hardcover. Schiffer Military Publishing 2023. ISBN 978-0-7643-6637-6. Price $ 24,99 (without shipping costs). For more information see https://www.schifferbooks.com. For UK/Europe see www.gazellebookservices.co.uk.