The Skean: The Distinctive Fighting Knife of Gaelic Ireland, 1500-1700

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 traveled 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.