Are you complete without a Sgian Dubh?

[JRB]

I usually wear a sgian dubh when in formal attire (but not always). When dressing casually I wear a sgian dubh only on a rare occassion. If I'm not wearing one, however, I always have a folder in my sporran.

[Panache]

I have two real sgian dubhs and three "sgian don'ts" (a bottle cap opener, a comb, and a blank).

I wear what is most appropriate in the given situation.

Cheers

Jamie

[scotchmaster]

I don not leave home without one...

[gilmore]

I would think it entirely appropriate for clergy not to wear sgian dubh, regardless of the occasion. Surely one's commitment to one's vows, as one understands them, supercede one's commitment to dressing fashionably.

When in doubt, ask one's sacerdotal superior.

[Jack Daw]

99% of the time I wear kilt hose with my kilt, so I can easily accommodate the sgian dhu. I don't think of it as a weapon, but as a tool, like a pocket knife. It always comes in handy at the Highland games that I attend. I'm unconfirmed on the history, other than to pass on what I've read elsewhere - that before the military standardized tucking the "black knife" in the kilt hose, it was kept under the armpit/ochter.

BTW, on Tuesday evening, I was at a fund-raiser for the Houston Highland Games Association. Those without sgian dhus had to do without an eating utensil other than a plastic spoon.

[Geoff Withnell]

99% of the time I wear kilt hose with my kilt, so I can easily accommodate the sgian dhu. I don't think of it as a weapon, but as a tool, like a pocket knife. It always comes in handy at the Highland games that I attend. I'm unconfirmed on the history, other than to pass on what I've read elsewhere - that before the military standardized tucking the "black knife" in the kilt hose, it was kept under the armpit/ochter.

BTW, on Tuesday evening, I was at a fund-raiser for the Houston Highland Games Association. Those without sgian dhus had to do without an eating utensil other than a plastic spoon.

My understanding is that the black knife was carried concealed, but it was and is rude to carry a concealed weapon in a friend's house or other peaceful circumstance, so the sgian dhu was pulled out and worn visible. So having a sgian dhu (or don't) visible is a sign of peaceful intention. Since I always carry a blade primarily as a tool, i routinely carry a sgian dhu, it's just the most convenient way to carry with no pockets. Except it goes in checked luggage when I am flying, just before I check it, and comes out right after I pick the luggage up. It's not a weapon, just when and where I grew up, only wusses didn't carry a pocket knife

Geoff Withnell

[beloitpiper]

I use to wear one all the time, but now I only wear mine for formal events. For everyday wear, I just keep a pocket knife in my sporran.

[EagleJCS]

As to wearing with the formal attire, IMHO it would depend on the occasion/venue. If one is attending a private party, yes do wear the sgian dubh. At a 'public' or semi-public event (think music concert or other such event, or situations where there may be a security cordon), one may, but probably should not if there may be issues.

As to the history of the sgian dubh, as with much of modern Scottish attire, there is some debate as to its origins and uses. The prevailing view is that it was a small uitility knife, often carried in one's armpit (oxter) or otherwise hidden somewhere on one's person. Hence the name "black knife" - which had less to do with the color of the hilt than that it was hidden.

One of the more 'romantic'/Victorian stories floated about these days goes that when one was visiting in a 'friendly' location, one would disarm oneself (pistols, sword(s) and dirk, etc.) at the door and put one's sgian dubh in the top of one's hose so it was visible to everyone (indicating you trusted that you would not need to defend oneself in their company). It also placed one's knife in easy reach for use at the table (the knife being the primary eating utensil besides the spoon, as the dining fork was not in fashion until the late 1600's or so).

In 'non-friendly' locales, one would be disarmed by one's host, but one would keep the sgian dubh hidden if the necessity to defend oneself arose. (Presumably, one would not be dining with such a hostile host).

[JRB]

I would think it entirely appropriate for clergy not to wear sgian dubh, regardless of the occasion. Surely one's commitment to one's vows, as one understands them, supercede one's commitment to dressing fashionably.

When in doubt, ask one's sacerdotal superior.

I would tend to agree with you on that point. If ones religious vows were against wearing a sgian dubh that is certainly an appropriate reason to not wear one. However, my father was a pastor for over forty years in the American Baptist Church. He is now retired and ministers only on an as needed basis. Anyway, never in my entire life growing up with him did he mention that he couldn't or shouldn't use, wear or carry a blade. In fact, he gave me my first pocket knife when I was around 9 years old and I know he carries his own pocket knife. So, I would be willing to go so far as to say that there is no conflict between wearing a sgian dubh and being a pastor. Unless, of course, you belong to a non-Christian faith that prohibits it or your brand of Christianity specifically prohibits it. But the bottom line is...if you feel like you shouldn't wear a sgian dubh then don't.

[Spartan]

As a clergyman I've thought about the same thing. However, I don't see the sgian dubh as weapon, anymore than a pocket knife. I will wear it with formal attire, but not with casual. I think also, as has been pointed out, you do need to consider the venue. I wouldn't wear it in a pub, or to a concert, so as not to provoke others or raise security questions. If you are uncomfortable with it in church, you can always leave it before entering the church. A nice celtic cross might be nice.