Flashes &sgian duhn questions

**Zardoz** · 12th February 12, 01:01 PM

I generally see both flashes and sgian dubh as decorative, in that they are not really nessesary to the outfit, but are certainly traditional to it.

That being said, I wear both regularly. Even though I'm pretty sure all my kilt hose will stay up on their own, I wear flashes as a way to add color, and complete the traditional look.
Same way with the sgian dubh, If I'm wearing hose and flashes I wear a sgian dubh too. But even though mine all have nice enough blades, I tend not think of them as useful knives, and usually carry my everyday folder or Swiss Army Knife in the sporran. There are no legal issues where I'm at, but your milage may vary.

**Sharkblock** · 12th February 12, 08:42 PM

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** · 13th February 12, 05:26 AM

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** · 15th February 12, 07:22 AM

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.

**piperdbh** · 15th February 12, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Not all legs are as perfect as my wife's!

And also with you?

**ForresterModern** · 15th February 12, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

**lukeyrobertson** · 15th February 12, 08:04 PM

I wear mostly traditional garter ties. I also had my wife help me sew some waistband elastic into garters when I want the hose to stay up but not have any flashes showing. That way the hose don't slide down. I reserve the sd for more dressy situations.

**Tobus** · 16th February 12, 06:03 AM

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.