Where not to wear a sgian dubh

[BEEDEE]

I tend to err on the side of caution and only wear a sgian dubh to private functions and not in public.

Brian

[Spc. Scott]

At work for me is a no.
I really don't feel like discussing the finer points of Cornell's weapon policies with the campus police.

I don't see a problem with carrying one in any place really (obviously use you head on this one). I've carried a pocketknife almost constantly while wearing p*nts. So a blade of some sort has been with me almost everywhere.

[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.

[sdc]

I don't feel DRESSED (kilt or not) without a knife of one type or another, but that's just because I use them so often in my daily routine. If you look at it as simply a sort of "jewelry", I don't see that you'd mind leaving it at home.

[ardchoille]

Agree whole heartedly on the first two. Seems though a rough neighborhood after dark would be on the top of the list of places to be prepared, no?

Speaking as someone who has served in law enforcement, the sgian dubh can easily be considered a deadly weapon - and is considered such in Seattle. Self defense can be tricky, using a deadly weapon to repel a "non-deadly force" threat can get one into trouble. Some would prefer to suffer broken bones rather than jump the gun and use deadly force when it wasn't necessary - prison time heals slower than broken bones. A law enforcement officer who knows what a sgian dubh is can lawfully walk up to you and ask to see it (probably cause), and Seattle that would result in an arrest.

So, I feel it's best to think about certain situations when carrying a sgian dubh.

[george7]

The laws in the Southeastern United States (AKA "The South") seem much different.

[Dirk Skene]

The laws in the Southeastern United States (AKA "The South") seem much different.

You got that right A guy without a knife of somekind is not properly dressed.

[Dr Mac]

Such as here in the great nation of Texas, Dirk! lol

[Howard Clark]

Oh that it were so everywhere. I'd like it eve better if the whole country was "shall carry" for anyone not disqualified from more modern means. Not gonna happen though. That's why me likes it in the country, and not so much in the city.

Be sensible, and don't act like a dink, and you will be fine most places, I think.

Of course it 'could' depend on how big the sgian dubh is, as well. Iowa code differentiates by blade length what is and is not all right to carry.

If it is a smallish knife, not many around here get too excited. A six inch blade in your sock would get you noticed in a bad way though, I suspect. Not to mention being awkward.

[Woodsheal]

Oops! That should've been posted in the "kilts too long" thread. Can the mods move it, please?