It's purely a formal wear accessory, like a furry formal sporran. I fully intend to get one when I get a Montrose jacket. I suppose they could make fake ones (handle and sheath only), but I would feel a tad neutered wearing one.

Would I stride down the street in public wearing one? No, that's asking for trouble, althought I once did see someone doing just that in Alexandria VA during some Scottish parade/event. Again, I see no difference between this and some military uniform sword, or some Knights of Columbus memeber with their ceremonial sword.

I have a biz trip to Glascow sometime this month, so I think I'll zip over to Edinbough and visit the Kilt shops...