Wearing a dirk

[JS Sanders]

<< Sorry for the slight highjack, but any pics of said dirk? >>

No sunlight here today... I'll see what I can do.

As to not permitting someone to use my dirk to slice a wedding cake...

Ivory is somewhat permeable. I'm not terribly keen on having it stained with various shades of food coloring fom the cakes' icing. My dirk, my choice.

Slan yall,
steve

PS I've had excellent results with Renaissance Wax on the blade. I've stored this particular dirk for years in the scabbard with nary a speck of rust.

[wyldathart]

I have a "couple" Dirks (Daggers)( incl. a "Cold Steel" & a "CUSTOM") I only wear them for "historical" events. WHY ??
1. IMHO, not "appropriate" for "general wear" Also, in WA State, a "Dagger" is illegal if "REAL" (& mine ARE) NOTE, I have never been "hassled" when I them (or my Swords) but ???
2. Formal Dress" IMHO, yes in SOME cicumstances, but I would not wear it to a play, or to the opera.

As to "comfort in when sitting". If worn on a "frog" & forward of your hip bone, then when you sit, it "rests" across your "lap"

Puffer

Hi Puffer, I've been lusting after the ColdSteel Dirk for a good while now. What do you think about it?

[Geoff Withnell]

This is excellent advice-- any light weight oil (3-in-1 Oil, Hoppe's Gun Oil, etc.) will keep the rust at bay. For storage purposes wrapping the blade in brown paper works as well as cloth. If swords/dirks are on display (or are frequently handled) waxing the blade will offer more protection than oil.

Ah, some brown paper contains a considerable acid content, and may damage the steel. This is also why it is best not to store any knives or swords in leather sheaths, as leather also usually has an acid component.

Geoff Withnell

[davedove]

Today the dirk has generally fallen out of style, even though many books will tell you it is part of "white tie" attire. The reasons for this seem to be (1) Cost. The last full dress dirk we made at Wilkinson Sword went out the door for nearly thrice the cost of a new basket hit broadsword (over 2,400 GBP). (2) Fashion. Because of the flood of cheap and nasty dirks on the market what used to be called "gentlemen of quality" stopped wearing them because dirks had become something of a hall mark for the "Braveheart Boys".

As well as the fact that in general society people don't go around wearing weapons anymore. Only in very specific circumstances would one be appropriate.

[puffer]

Hi Puffer, I've been lusting after the ColdSteel Dirk for a good while now. What do you think about it?

Here is my "take" on the Cold Steel Dirk.

1. Quality
Blade = EXCELLENT - Their blades are "rated as one of the BEST for "production blades. (note these are NOT "toys" they are Weapons & come VERY Sharp.)
Hilt = VERY GOOD. Fit & finish
Scabbard = VERY Good. I was surprised @ the quality. T metal to leather fit was far better than I have seen on most "production Scabbards.

2. Historical "correctness"
This "Dirk" is a "generic reproduction" The "Hilt is "longer, than The "Victorian" styles we most often equate with the "highland" dirk. But actually prefer it. I wear it often for "period dress" & NEVER had any one find fault. ( except a few "purists & the I just ignored them. )

IMHO, if you want a GOOD, inexpensive GP Dirk, go for it.



Puffer

[wyldathart]

Oh man you just made me spend some money HAHA once I get mine and a frog I'll post some pics. Personally I don't want a reproduction, I'm serious about my blades and usually carry only decent blades. To me if it won't stand up to it's purpose then it isn't worth having. Albeit there isn't much use for a 13 inch blade these days. I'll try it out on some test media to see how good it is

[thescot]

I have a jeweled dirk that I lay on the table and use to cut open the haggis at our Burns Suppers. that's the only time it's warn, although I would be happy to don it if at a white tie function. (Please keep the white tie discussions in that other thead about white tie. )

I have given serious thought to working up set of pistols and powder horn to match the jeweled dirk and basket hilt which hangs on my wall should I ever have the occassoi for full dress, but that is for another day. I rather fancy myself cutting quite a dashing figure decked out like a nobleman during King George's visit to Sctland. I can see it now.

I also have a "regimental" dirk mounted in silver (Pewter I think) that is more commonly worn by pipers. In fact I have three I believe since I happend on a deal many years ago, and I would definitely wear one of them if the right occassion happened. (Never during the day, I don't think.)

I've seen lots of guys in the US wearing a very plain dirk, often with a buck horn handle, during the day, but it's really just a big hunting type knife, and I don't see any point. My sgian dhu is a very real, useful tool like a pocket knife, but a dirk. . . well, it's just for looks really , and I don't want to wear it unless I do so correctly.

(Boy, I'll bet I chapped few tails with that "correctly" comment. Bwa-ha-ha-ha. :evil;)

My silver mounted one has a black leather hanging strap that hangs neatly over a kilt belt, and the one time I word it, I wore it to the right as a gentleman should. When I sat, it rotated neatly out of the way.

[thescot]

As well as the fact that in general society people don't go around wearing weapons anymore. Only in very specific circumstances would one be appropriate.

At least not out in plain sight!

[Twa_Corbies]

I wore my dress dirk to a Governor's recepion at the state capital a few years ago. I remember getting a few nervous glances from some of the aides as I stood in line to shake hands with the governor, but no one ever said anything to me (much to my relief).

[wyldathart]

Oh I know that wearing a dirk has fallen to the wayside. I mean even I know I'm not going to be facing thieves stealing my cattle or charging a crowd of Enemies threatening my hearth and home. But I might still like to belt one on and wear it for no other reason than I can. And I like the quote thats says:

" Nothing is quite as comforting as the feel of cold steel in the dark"

I can't remember where I got that from but I liked it

Cheers *toasts with a wee dram of Drambuie