Where not to wear a sgian dubh

[Howard Clark]

In Iowa, all schools are "weapons free zones". I think it is ridiculous, but my opinion is a bit different than many, obviously.

Any Federal courthouse or office building. The US Post Office (or any other USPS facility) is also a "weapons free zone". Almost any government building of any kind at this point, really. Even some of the county courthouses have metal detectors and policies such as these.

The Iowa State Fair has a no weapons policy as well, though folders with pocket clips were as common as ball caps with agricultural logos on them.

I wear one anytime and all the time, unless I have to go somewhere that expressly forbids it, such as the examples in this thread. I have been given a hard time about carrying a "weapon" at some church things, but I politely point out that it is more of a decoration, and a tool, than a weapon, and that I could hurt you just as easily with the ball point pen in my shirt pocket, if that were my intent.

Of course I am a professional bladesmith, vocationally making knives and swords for 21 years, so I am seldom without a cutting tool.

It is best to know the letter of the law where you live. Get thee to the library, and look it up. Generally, though, weapons laws are written such that it is mostly up to the discretion of the officer on the scene what to do. It is best to be polite, in all cases, and carry one's self with calm and confidence.

[Makeitstop]

It is best to know the letter of the law where you live. Get thee to the library, and look it up. Generally, though, weapons laws are written such that it is mostly up to the discretion of the officer on the scene what to do. It is best to be polite, in all cases, and carry one's self with calm and confidence.

Indeed, as a lover of sharp objects, I make it my business to know as much as possible about the law, and the exact amount of wiggle room it provides.

It's not only important to know the law so that you don't violate it, but also others don't always know the law, and will make wild assumptions about what is and is not legal. I know the makers of a belt buckle knife actually site the specific laws banning such items in two states, and recommend carrying a copy of the laws because their product was legal only because of the exact wording of the law, and even a cop might not know the law verbatim. Of course, I'd say if you think carrying your sgian is likely to be that big of an issue, you'd be better off leaving it at home.

[Barry]

..... though folders with pocket clips were as common as ball caps with agricultural logos on them...

This had me puzzled for quite a while until I remembered the US penchant for using the adjective without the corresponding noun. So I believe this is "folding knives" Yes?

Incidentally, when I was a young lad in the 60s I always carried a penknife (small folding knife) including taking it to school. We used them for sharpening our pencils amongst other things, and no-one thought anything of it. How times change.

As to the Skian Dubh, I have heard that even the decorative plastic ones with no blade have caused concern and confiscation