When is a dirk appropriate?

[McMurdo]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

McMurdo is pretty much right on the mark. The civilian exception would when attending a Scottish white tie event, in Highland attire, where the invitation stated "decorations". In this instance the wearing of a dirk would be acceptable (although optional). There is an excellent photograph of the late Sir Iain Moncrieff of that Ilk, taken in the 1960s, at a ball in Scotland. Sir Iain is in wearing the uniform of an officer of the Atholl Highlanders, complete with miniature decorations and dirk (page 174 of SCOTTISH CLANS AND FAMILY NAMES by Roddy Martine). With the exception of the uniform coatee, white tie civilian attire would be virtually identical.

The dirk should not be worn with black tie (even if decorations are worn), nor should it be worn with day wear. The exceptions (of course) are persons in uniform, who must conform to the prescribed regulations concerning the wearing of dirks, feathered bonnets, etc, or those who need it for a theatrical flourish when addressing Mr. Haggis, just before stabbing him!

That said, although only rarely worn, a dirk should have pride of place on the wall next to the plaque displaying your clansman's badge.

[Bruno]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

I have once or twice seen the groom at a wedding wear one to cut the cake or as you say Burns Night, but otherwise not really appropriate for most occasions.

I did see one guy walking round a gold club dinner with a Broad sword, I think he thought he was an extra off Braveheart.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have once or twice seen the groom at a wedding wear one to cut the cake...

Weddings raise the question of the wearing of arms when in a house of worship. Generally speaking arms should not be worn in church-- although it would be a nice touch to cut your wedding cake with your dirk at the reception, after. Especially if it was he same dirk used by your father or grandfather at his wedding! All the more reason to have a dirk, and establish a family tradition.