Kilting in Church - Sgian dubh?

[TheBrus]

Is it bad form to wear a sgian dubh to church? I'm not a member of this church, and we're going as guests. My host said it was okay to wear my kilt... I don't want to make a mistake on this.

Thanks!

Jared

[Zardoz]

I don't think it's a problem, at least I've done it many times without incident.

[Woodsheal]

Wore my sgian dubh to church the other day for a funeral service. No problems, wry faces, or side-long glances....

[MacMillans son]

With that said, the sgian dubh is the one bit of kit that I find completely optional, and only wear when I am certain it is not going to cause any ill feelings. Relative to the trusty knife, I would say "When in doubt, go without" (catchy no? )

[sevenoaks]

My-self I would feel I would not be dressed fully without a Sgian dubh. I would be uncomfortable without it. I wear one when I am out and about in my kilt. One evening I admit I did have one more DRAM to drink than I should have had and as I was stepping up on the sidewalk I tripped and fell. Two policemen came to my rescue and helped me up. They wanted to call an ambulance but I was fine except I had skinned knee. One "cop" asked why I was carrying a concealed weapon, the other cop said it is not concealed and it is part of his heritage. He did pull it out the sgian dubh though and told me "put this in y'r sporran Lad, are you going to be OK to get on the Sea Bus y'r self? He turned to the other guy and laughingly said.. the knife is not as dangerous as his kilt up around his waist.
A fine Wee Lass happened to be passing by and she offered to take me to the Sea-bus. She was happy to do that.
Enough said about that!
Long live a kilted man!

The Police in Vancouver BC are the Best in the world!

[unixken]

I was just wondering this same question, myself, as I plan to attend Easter Service at church tomorrow, in full-dress, to break in the Prince Charlie.

[Kiltboy]

I say go without it. Just be on the "safe" side of opinion. Or, as I frequently do , go with a antler sgian "brew". Gets the dressy look without the safety issues.

[Chas]

If you don't take it out and wave it around, where's the harm? No different from carrying a pocket knife.

Regards

Chas

[MacRobert's Reply]

The general rule is that weapons are not normally worn or carried in church. There are a very few exceptions to this. However, since the sgian dubh is considered by most of the well informed to be a utility knife, it can be worn.

On the other hand, if members of the congregation are likely to perceive it as a weapon, it is best not worn. Because of this common (mis)perception I don’t wear a sgian dubh in church. When in doubt ... don’t.

[unixken]

Unfortunately, we live in a world of panicy people who believe that disarmament of the victims, for the safety of the criminal, is the moral thing to do. It would only take one person to spot the knife, (wrongly) think there's reason to panic, and cause more grief than it's worth. As a gun-rights supporter here in The States, I see this all the time.

Disclaimer: this post is NOT intended to spur any discussion of rights, ideologies, or anything of the sort. It is merely a statement of fact, meant to explain why wearing a sgian dubh may not be appropriate in a particular circumstance.