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