Where not to wear a sgian dubh

[Phil]

research I did a while back also pointed to the fact that in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland)

Doesn't say much for the quality of the research, does it? I find it hard to believe that a member of this forum could demonstrate such ignorance of the Scottish people as to state that they are, or ever have been, in any shape, fashion or form part of England.

[davedove]

I can understand someone thinking of Scotland as part of England though. Many folks here in the US tend to equate England with the United Kingdom. It's wrong, but that is a common misconception.

[Carolina Kiltman]

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

My apologies!!!! I should have said the British Isles! (an ancient, late relative, is now spinning in his grave; he always referred to the English as the "Base, Brutal, and Bloody Saxons!") Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea MaximaCulpa!

[Phil]

I can understand someone thinking of Scotland as part of England though. Many folks here in the US tend to equate England with the United Kingdom. It's wrong, but that is a common misconception.

Many people in England do the same - hence the heightened sensitivity we feel in Scotland, the only part of the United Kingdom never to have been conquered and ruled by a foreign power (and that includes England). Apologies accepted Carolina Kiltman. Having visited your country many times I appreciate the misunderstanding and always make a point of correcting people when they ask if I am from England. I don't think they really understand, though, going by the puzzled look on their faces.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Phil, and all others:

What make it more embarrassing is that I know better. The research had to do with table manners during the renaissance. England was closer to what we do today, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall were "behind" in that guests were expected to bring their own cutlery when invited to a meal, which was the norm in late Medieval England.

[thanmuwa]

....Scotland, the only part of the United Kingdom never to have been conquered and ruled by a foreign power (and that includes England).

Hmmmm. The reason Gaelic is spoken in Scotland is because the Gaels (ie the Irish) conquered and ruled, leading to the kingdom of Dalriada, the name of Argyll (meaning Eastern Gaels), the Roman name for the tribe, Scotti (that Scotland is named after) amongst other things. And that is without getting to the political argument of whether London rule implies stealth conquering.

[highlander_Daz]

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)

sorry to be pedantic but the Highlands of Scotlands are NOT in England

[Minnow]

Aside from post offices or airports, I can't think of any place.

I feel like a tool admitting this, but I never have a sgian dubh with me. I don't even own one. Instead I carry a somewhat large victorinox. I've been carrying that same knife almost everywhere I go for 11 years now. It seemed okay to just stick it in my sporran when I first started wearing the kilt. However, the more I read on this site, the more I want a sgian.

Just so I know. Sgian dubh is pronounced "skeen doo", right?

-Minnow

[highlander_Daz]

one guys who hires out highland wear for weddings said hed stopped hireing out them "scooby doos" because of worries about legality.

[Mr. MacDougall]

Just so I know. Sgian dubh is pronounced "skeen doo", right?

Yup. "Sgian" means "knife," and "dubh" means "black."

I have a very nice one, and even though I'm pretty much kilted on a daily basis, I don't wear my knife in my sock. Even though campus policy says that a blade under 4" is a tool, not a weapon, it's just not worth the hassle I'd get from people on campus.