use of a small fixed blade knife as a sgain dubh

[uncle remus]

I will be purchasing an new knife in a few weeks to use as a sgian dubh. I would like some rules of thumb for such a knife. It will not be a traditional sgian but rather a small fixed blade knife. what I would like to know is blade length, overall length, sheath styles that work etc.

thank you in advance


moderator if you think this would be better someplace else please move it thanks

[Geoff Withnell]

You are in the right place. As far as non-standard sgians, the main consideration is how it will ride in your sock. Is it too thick? Will the amount of hilt sticking out make it tend to flop around, or out come out? Otherwise, wearer's choice.

[Terry Searl]

46 Not aTraditional Sgian Dubh but mine for 45 years .jpg

I will be purchasing an new knife in a few weeks to use as a sgian dubh. I would like some rules of thumb for such a knife. It will not be a traditional sgian but rather a small fixed blade knife. what I would like to know is blade length, overall length, sheath styles that work etc.

thank you in advance


moderator if you think this would be better someplace else please move it thanks

My contemporary Sgian Dubh is a knife with a 4 inch blade that I have carried for well over 45 years and brings me many many memories of good times in the past. I think if a person wearing a "Sgian Dubh", no matter what style it is, uses common sense and respects the laws where he is wearing it, he shouldn't have any problems. Wearing a Sgian Dubh to the pub or any place serving alcohol or in any place not accustomed to people wearing kilted attire or in any place where any kind of blade is not acceptable then leave the Sgian Dubh at home.....it really isn't essential to wear one......Like I said use common sense it is likely to keep you out of trouble.....just my opinion though

[Profane James]

In my experience, it seems anything 6 to 7 in (15 to 17cm) in total length, with blade taking up half that length would work. I would caution, when looking for a substitution outside of those dealing in Highland Dress, to make sure the handle is not too heavy. Not so much for slippage, but for general leg comfort!

[MNlad]

Moderate length, flat profile, and weighting toward the blade end of the knife would be my three criteria.

[DustyBoots]

An obvious choice is the Cold Steel "Secret Edge". It's a sgian dubh in a modern interpretation, but a sgian dubh all the way. It's light, flat, comfortable to wear, and easy as can be to modify the sheath. It's a handy user too. I wear one with my kilt. Sometimes in the hose or scrunched socks if I'm going casual, sometimes tucked in the belt.

[uncle remus]

thanks for the tips. I appreciate it.

[jumper]

I have yet to own a typical sgian dubh. But what I do have is a Smith & Wesson H.R.T. boot knife. I would see this more in use with the modern kilts. But it is a good knife, I use to carry it when I was on jump status for those rear times that it "might" be needed. Here are the information on it.

Black Rubber Wrapped Handle with Lanyard Hole and Black Leather Belt or Boot Sheath.
Blade Length: 4.75 inch (12.1 cm) Handle Length: 4.25 inch (10.8 cm)
Overall Length: 9.00 inch (22.9 cm) Weight: 0.5 pounds
810NZDancsL._SL1500_.jpg

[Mike M.]

I think the biggest problem I've seen in most knives you'd consider pressing into service as a sgian is that they need a new sheath. A proper sgian is very minimal - the sheath covers the blade, nothing else. Most of the small knives I've looked at for the purpose came with sheaths that came halfway up the handle. Bulky things, not something to stuff in the top of your hose.

[Clisgett]

I've been thinking this same thing, I like having a knife that I can actually use. I've been looking at a few different options, I'm partial to the Ka-Bar myself
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