Sgian Dubh

[Nick]

A bladesmith friend of mine has made sgean dhus that are smaller than the average, so they're short enough to be legal in places where length is the only consideration. I'm thinking of making my own, but I'm also going to make a good wooden safety sgean, because I've already been called once on wearing a real one.

[Oswulf]

Damn, I'm glad I live in Idaho, wouldn't even think to worry about the legality of packing a sgian dubh in my sock here, or a foot long dirk hanging off my belt. What I've been trying to find is a good thigh holster that will let me conceal a .45 auto (I'm licenced) under my kilt. The nature of the beast makes it difficult to pack on my hip or back as I'm used to doing with trousers.

Oswulf

[Streetcar]

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.

Absolutely! And while we're on it, if the handle of your Sgian Dubh isn't actual bog oak, it has no place on a man's leg. I'm glad to see someone else objects to seeing kilts made of "PV and the like." And what's with all this sewing nonsense? If it isn't made of scottish wool, coated with fat and "kilted up" with a great belt, then it's just a costume brought out for the lowlanders for King George's visit.

I apologize for the sarcasm, and I honestly mean no disrespect. I've heard resentment against the "non-traditional" kilts, but this is the first I've heard prejudice based on the choice of material.
Given what conditions were like for a Highland clansman, I tend to believe that he'd have worn a polartec lined, gore-tex kilt if it had been available at the time.

[Rab Gordon]

Sporran holster ?

Don't suppose your .45 has the 1911 style and size of grips ?

Rab

Damn, I'm glad I live in Idaho, wouldn't even think to worry about the legality of packing a sgian dubh in my sock here, or a foot long dirk hanging off my belt. What I've been trying to find is a good thigh holster that will let me conceal a .45 auto (I'm licenced) under my kilt. The nature of the beast makes it difficult to pack on my hip or back as I'm used to doing with trousers.

Oswulf

[GlassMan]

There's always that new sporran over at Stillwater with the hidden pouch for a pistol!

[Mike S]

Sporran holster ?

Don't suppose your .45 has the 1911 style and size of grips ?

Rab

As a conceal and carry licensed gun owner myself (and proponent of the 1911), I will say that that is one heavy and large framed gun to attempt to stick in a Sporran, even the compact framed versions. I can see secreting a small, synthetic framed sub-compact like a Kel-Tec etc. and would opt for a similar alternative.

[Oswulf]

Sporran holster ?

Don't suppose your .45 has the 1911 style and size of grips ?

Rab

Yep. full size 1911A1, that's my favorite carry gun although I do have some smaller ones that would work in a sporran if necessary. I just don't like the extra weight floppin' around down there. Some of the tactical thigh holsters look like they may do the trick, just haven't gotten around to spending the money to try them out yet. I'll come up with something eventually that works and hopefully comfortable. Idaho is an open carry state so I could always pack it in a holster hanging off my belt, but even here there are places where the gun will get more stares and comments than the kilt.

Oswulf

[Rab Gordon]

Your post reminded me that I've been given the CAD drawings for the 1911 standard grips to make a set in Bog Oak with Silver fittings in the style of the Sgian Dubh and Dirk handles that I make. Been discussing the details with Mike from Turner Customs. It's one of those 'just for fun' projects !
Regards,
Rab

Yep. full size 1911A1, that's my favorite carry gun although I do have some smaller ones that would work in a sporran if necessary. I just don't like the extra weight floppin' around down there. Some of the tactical thigh holsters look like they may do the trick, just haven't gotten around to spending the money to try them out yet. I'll come up with something eventually that works and hopefully comfortable. Idaho is an open carry state so I could always pack it in a holster hanging off my belt, but even here there are places where the gun will get more stares and comments than the kilt.

Oswulf

[Oswulf]

Now that sounds interesting. A .45 sgian dubh, still a bit big to tuck in your sock but I'd love to see some pictures when you get them done.

Oswulf

[Iolaus]

As a conceal and carry licensed gun owner myself (and proponent of the 1911), I will say that that is one heavy and large framed gun to attempt to stick in a Sporran, even the compact framed versions. I can see secreting a small, synthetic framed sub-compact like a Kel-Tec etc. and would opt for a similar alternative.

We're a bit off-topic now, but what the heck...

It depends on the sporran. I've got a Kimber Ultra CDP II (the sub-compact model) that has the Chip McCormick slim-line grips and Pearce finger grooves added. It looks like this, but with thinner grip panels. I think it would carry better in that new SWK sporran than the Walther they show it with - it's ½" shorter on the grip and ¼" shorter in length.




Of course, for accessabilty in a more standard type of sporran, any gun is going to have to be fitted into the top of the "puzzle peices" and will show any time you retrieve your wallet or phone, thereby ruining the "concealed" aspect.

..and in a Freelander it'll just drop to the bottom of the bag and get buried!