Wearing a dirk

[Jock Scot]

I would be very, very careful in attaching any importance to, nearly, anything written in the 1830's about Scotland in general and the Highlands in particular. Much of what was written then, is believed by people of today as fact and examples are often seen on this website of the "romantic views " of a Scotland that never existed. A bit like Hollywood's idea of the "wild west", or, "Braveheart".

[Derek Conley]

My apologies...

I suppose I could go dig out and cite quotes from the treatises of Donald McBane, Sir William Hope, or Archibald MacGregor, but... I'm far too tired at the moment!

But back to the original topic-at-hand, the dirk was seen worn strong-side in woodcuts of Highlanders (McKay's, I think?) around 1637, and again in illustrations of Black Watch soldiers, circa 1746.

[Derek Conley]

Citation, please?

Again, my apologies. Exerpt is from "Burt's Letters from the North of Scotland", circa 1754, page 177.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Thanks! Another book to read over the holidays...

[puffer]

I would be very, very careful in attaching any importance to, nearly, anything written in the 1830's about Scotland in general and the Highlands in particular. Much of what was written then, is believed by people of today as fact and examples are often seen on this website of the "romantic views " of a Scotland that never existed. A bit like Hollywood's idea of the "wild west", or, "Braveheart".

GOOD ADVISE>

I am involved also in historical research on the "Fur Trade"in the PNW,1800-late 1850s. Sadly to say, a GREAT DEAL of the "general understanding" of this era, including what is taught in schools, is "Romantic.

Puffer

[svc40bt]

For years I've owned a gorgeous dirk with a mammoth ivory handle.

Nonetheless, it's only worn when piping with military-style kiltwear and not always then. Mine hangs well, but seems to always be in the way or banging against the furnishings.

I won't even entertain the thought of permitting someone to cut their wedding cake with it.

Slan,
steve

Sorry for the slight highjack, but any pics of said dirk?

[Bob C]

I occasionally wear my dirk, hanging from a frog, when dressed in my Prince Charlie. I mostly use it to decapitate champagne bottles, but have also used it to cut chicken.

[PiobBear]

I won't even entertain the thought of permitting someone to cut their wedding cake with it.

Speaking for myself, if it's good enough for a United States Marine's sword, it's plenty good enough for my humble dirk.

I shouldn't and don't as I always keep a film of oil on the blade.

Generally speaking, such ceremonial cake/haggis cuttings are well coreographed events prepared well in advance, but in a pinch a wee dab of Scotch on a napkin solves the problem.

Speaking of oil, I prefer something a bit heavier than WD40, which will evaporate completely in a few days. Nothing really beats good old LSA. Also, don't keep your carbon blades in their scabbards; the steel will condense moisture and rust. If not on display, wrap them in an oiled cloth for storage. If you've got wee ones about, lock them away like any weapon, unless you want to come home one day to find your yard ape swinging from the curtains with your dirk in his teeth in the finest Errol Flynn tradition.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Speaking of oil, I prefer something a bit heavier than WD40, which will evaporate completely in a few days. Nothing really beats good old LSA. Also, don't keep your carbon blades in their scabbards; the steel will condense moisture and rust. If not on display, wrap them in an oiled cloth for storage.

This is excellent advice-- any light weight oil (3-in-1 Oil, Hoppe's Gun Oil, etc.) will keep the rust at bay. For storage purposes wrapping the blade in brown paper works as well as cloth. If swords/dirks are on display (or are frequently handled) waxing the blade will offer more protection than oil.

[macwilkin]

With Empire came a transposing of one culture's beliefs on those of another, among which quite likely are two in particular: the oath sworn on the dirk and that a drawn dirk could not be re-sheathed without first drawing blood.

Interesting that you mention "swearing on the Holy Iron", to quote Alan Breck in Kidnapped. Iron has long been associated with "magical" properties due to its association with blacksmiths. I have several stories from Scotland and the Ozarks related to the power of iron to keep away evil spirits.

Regards,

Todd