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 this Irish weapon in use, and has 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 re-enactors 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.[AuthorName]By Robert Gresh[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]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 is the author of several other works on the military aspects of 16th century Ireland. [/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]115 color and b/w images[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]The Distinctive Fighting Knife of Gaelic Ireland, 1500–1700[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]115 color and b/w images[/ColorPattern]