Where not to wear a sgian dubh

[Makeitstop]

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

That may be true in general, but the trouble is that knife laws have a nasty tendency to show up at the local level, which can complicate things greatly.

For example, around here, state laws are fairly loose as long as the item is not concealed, and doesn't fall into certain categories. However, if I cross county lines (as I often do) some of my pocket knives, and if I chose to wear it, my cheap sgian would no longer be legal. And then there are additional city ordinances covering knives which make it even harder to keep up.

On the bright side, even when they are technically illegal, no one really cares about a tiny little pocket knife. As long as its in a pocket, no one even has to know its there. A sgian dubh on the other hand is meant to be visible, and is not generally understood and accepted as a harmless, mundane tool by much of the population.

The key to all of this is common sense. Hopefully the laws are based on common sense. When they are not, typically they will still allow discretion, so the common sense may be used in their application. But either way, we must use common sense and try to avoid getting into trouble in the first place.

[Detroitpete]

I'm thinking anytime that the carrier is wearing a Speedo. Just bad form, eh?

[Q-Piper]

Discretion in carry would appear to be the way to go. If you need to display the handle & sheath and would run afoul of the law there are enough chinese knockoffs where you could glue the thing together or snap the blade off and seal the handle to the sheath.

Having worked in public safety and always having a working blade upon myself even in Air Terminals, it got interesting. Jurisdictions and duties overlap and all. Still if in doubt leave the Sgian Dubh home or locked in the car. Still most LEOs I've dealt with understood the nature of the small knife was more ornimental than functional. That being the case a museum replica shop near Atlanta GA sells a sgian with an unsharped ornimental blade. Makes an OK letter opener but a really poor knife.

Don't wear one to the County Court House, or District Justice Hall. the Bailiffs don't like it either.

[Carolina Kiltman]

While many sources point to the Sgian Dubh as a "weapon of last resort", research I did a while back also pointed to the fact that in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland) a host probably would not have enough cutlery to set before all guests for a meal. So it was common courtesy to bring one's own cutlery, hence the knife and fork on the "dress dirks" and the Sgian Dubh is also, from its shape a skinning knife, and quite probably also served as an eating utensil too. This being several centuries later, it is best, perhaps to to follow the advice above. I also remember seeing (can't give you a link) of plastic ones for the kids. worth a try?

[graham_s]

In the UK we have some fairly draconian weapon laws.
Basically all you are allowed to carry (without having a good reason to do so) is a folding knife with a cutting edge of less than 3" with a non-locking blade (a lock knife is a fixed blade in the eyes of the law due to a ruling by a Judge).
However, there is an exemption clause in the legislation that specifically allows a sgian dubh to be worn with a kilt.
I always wear one of my sgian dubhs with my kilt. the only exception is when I'm going out at night to pubs/clubs etc. while legally I can wear it, it's just not worth the hassle.

[Howard Clark]

Considering how other laws are, and the current environment, I am surprised that the exemption is let stand. Glad, but surprised. You'd think it would help make kilt wearing more popular.

[Jack Daw]

The only thing I put in my oxter is deodorant.

[kiltimabar]

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.

Oh, well, if it's only going to be a few broken bones, who wouldn't give a thug the go-ahead. I mean, it's not like he's actually going to HURT you, or might get carried away and do some REAL damage.

If I thought about such situations, I wouldn't just not carry a sgian dubh, I wouldn't go.

[george7]

I don't think law enforcement is really looking to crack down on the Scottish community.

[thanmuwa]

in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland)

When did the Highlands move south of the border? Are the lowlands of Scotland now in England too?