Sgian Dubh

[kiltedjaz]

It is too easy to forget that the kilt is the attire of the highlander, and what differentiates it from the dress of myriad schoolgirls here in the UK, is the way it is worn.

For it is the wear of proud clansmen, to be worn with a strut and a swagger-and if I may be so bold-with attitude.

The skean dhu is a reminder to the wearer and any observer that they are seeing a real man-a clansman.

Forget that and join the ranks of the little girl dancers, the wearers of a costume, or those with other motives entirely.

There might be rare occasions such as when on a plane when it might be necessary to consign it to the baggage for the duration of the flight: on all other occasions it should be worn.

Whilst for such things as fake skean dhu's: there is only one place, and that is the dustbin.

James

VERY WELL said James....a man after my own heart...how I hate all this 'costume' and fashion crap....The Kilt (a 'real' Kilt...not something made from PV and the like) is a proud and noble garment and should be worn as such.

[macwilkin]

i've got a book here that has a photo of "an uncommon sgian dubh"

"picked up at a campsite where highland soldiers assembled for an embarkation to the boer war,"

it has a corkscrew and a bottle opener as well as some other tools that are undefinable, and the silver mounts are hallmarked for 1874,

hope that helps anyone with some research if they are interested.

What's the source? Title, author, publication information? Remember, you're talking to a librarian here! ;)

It does confirm my theory about the South African War and the Swiss Army knife.

Todd

[cormacmacguardhe]

Where in the world would you hide a weapon over 6 feet long on your person?

do not know. Have been trying to figure that one out for myself.

[Southern Breeze]

Where in the world would you hide a weapon over 6 feet long on your person?

No problem,get a Freelander!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...Rab (Sgian Dubh maker)
http://www.rainnea.com/safety-sgian-dubhs

Rab, just checked out your link and those are fantastic. I would say that I have much more use for a bottle opener sgian dubh that for a knife.

And as for the legality and perceptions, somebody said it well that people usually are so focused on the kilt that the accessories are missed. Until I started wearing a kilt, I would never have noticed something sticking out of somebody's hose, and even if I did I would not have known what it was. I would expect the same would hold true for most law enforcement officers on this side of the pond.

[kilted_selkie]

What's the source? Title, author, publication information? Remember, you're talking to a librarian here! ;)

Todd

its part of the historical arms series (#26) the scottish dirk, by James D. Forman
its on page 39 if you can dig the book up,

wow, feels like i'm back at uni again hehe

[Freelander Sporrano]

No problem,get a Freelander!

Sound advice ...Although 6 foot will stretch it a little

[macwilkin]

its part of the historical arms series (#26) the scottish dirk, by James D. Forman
its on page 39 if you can dig the book up,

wow, feels like i'm back at uni again hehe

Many thanks -- I'll see if I can find it via interlibrary loan! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

[Graham]

Rab, just checked out your link and those are fantastic. I would say that I have much more use for a bottle opener sgian dubh that for a knife.

And as for the legality and perceptions, somebody said it well that people usually are so focused on the kilt that the accessories are missed. Until I started wearing a kilt, I would never have noticed something sticking out of somebody's hose, and even if I did I would not have known what it was. I would expect the same would hold true for most law enforcement officers on this side of the pond.

I like the bottle openers too! a great idea, I know...not traditional but I rarely wear a sgian dubh except on formal occasions.

I agree that most would not notice the sgian dubh including police.

In most cities of Australia I would guess that a knife of the sgian dubh length would be illegal to carry. Pipe Bands still wear them thankfully without hassles.
In the country, it's common to wear a knife on the belt, I used to wear a swiss army knife. Kiltwearing has reduced that, they are more of a hassle to fit on the belt now.

I love knives as much as any other lad, but there's no point in looking for trouble with the law (or larrikins).
The sgian dubh may well be part of Highland tradition, but I'm not a highlander, I just live near the beach.

[calmac]

If you are in any doubt as to the legallity of a Sgian Dubh...check with your local police. They will give you sensible advice and they are, obviously, aware of national laws and also any local bye-laws.
When I lived in Dorset the police told me it was OK to wear it as long as it was part of 'the outfit'. It was not considered to be an offensive weapon. I now live in Kent and Kent Constabulary say the same.

Jim

I don't think I will bother with my local police - North Wales Police - they do you for doing 31 in a 30mph zone. They would probably throw you inside for anything that they could possibly link to being offensive.

Thanks for all your comments, I will buy a real one and wear it with pride.

Patrick