Are you complete without a Sgian Dubh?

[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

[Jack Daw]

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

I was born in Memphis and grew up in Texas. It was standard attire to have a pocket knife in a trouser pocket. My father and grandfather carried them always. I'd feel naked without one and am uncomfortable sometimes on a plane because of it.

BTW, I meant to write 'oxter', not 'ochter'.

[The Vicar]

Thank you all for you assistance.

You folks have been very helpful.

V

[oscagne]

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.

Geoff Withnell

This is also the story as I've heard it. I've actually heard that it used to be called the sgian achlais (armpit knife) because that was where it was concealed when in public, and only became the sgian dhu when unconcealing it when entering a friend's house.

As far as whether to wear it or not - check your local laws. Here in Texas one commits Unlawful Carry of a Weapon (PC 46.02) if one carries open or concealed an "illegal knife" in a place that is not "on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control" or "inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control". And an illegal knife is defined in PC 46.01(6) - with the relevant parts being; with a blade over 5 1/2 inches long, designed to be thrown, or a dagger, dirk, stiletto, poinard, bowie knife, sword or spear. Also, switchblade knives are Prohibited Weapons under 46.05. So, IANAL but, if you carry a sgian dhu in Texas, make sure the blade is less than 5 1/2 inches. You might also want to make sure that the blade is only single-edged so that it can't be claimed to be a dagger or dirk.