Flashes &sgian duhn questions

[Sharkblock]

I usually always wear flashes no matter the occasion. In my opinion, it's doesn't look too dressy and just really completes an outfit. Just my two cents though.

[OC Richard]

In traditional Highland Dress as it was worn through most of the 20th century the wearing of flashes was standard, nearly universal.

I have several Highland Dress catalogues from the 1920s up through the 1950s and I don't think there's a single illustration of men without flashes, in either Day Dress or Evening Dress.





But evidently the situation was different back in the 1860s. In The Highlanders of Scotland are portraits of 56 kilted men, and 40 have no visible flashes.

[Taygrd]

As far as the legal issues of wearing a knife it really varies by location. State knife laws are easily obtainable on the i-net, however you should also be aware that local jurisdictions may also have specific ordinances regarding knives. I would stay out of airports, public buildings, and court rooms if wearing an sgian
The deciding factor is usually up to you. If you get "horsey" when approached about wearing a knife I would be willing to bet that an encounter with an LEO is in your future.

[ForresterModern]

In traditional Highland Dress as it was worn through most of the 20th century the wearing of flashes was standard, nearly universal.

I have several Highland Dress catalogues from the 1920s up through the 1950s and I don't think there's a single illustration of men without flashes, in either Day Dress or Evening Dress.





But evidently the situation was different back in the 1860s. In The Highlanders of Scotland are portraits of 56 kilted men, and 40 have no visible flashes.

Interestingly, only three sgian dhub visible in the above pictures, although a couple might not be positioned for optimal visibility of SD. Optional or just left out of the pictures for artistic license.

[Tobus]

Interestingly, only three sgian dhub visible in the above pictures, although a couple might not be positioned for optimal visibility of SD. Optional or just left out of the pictures for artistic license.

As I understand it, the sgian dubh was just starting to come into fashion when those portraits were done. They really didn't "take off" as a Highland accessory until the late 19th century or early 20th century.

If you look back at older portraits from the 18th century, you will see no sgians dubh at all.