Functional Sgian

[skauwt]

why carry one if you don't use it ?

Tradition
it will always be part of the highland dress as much so as a sporran or kilt pin,
i don't make the laws i just abide by them

[Standard]

THE OFFICER sgian dubh by Gaelic Themes is probably the most functional sgian dubh readily accessible on the open market. Undoubtedly it's greatest attribute is its wide, full length tang, making it one of the strongest (if not the strongest) sgians dubh available.

I've got one too MacMillan, it is a very useful tool to have along. If by chance I don't have my sgian dubh then I always have a pocket knife with me. A sharp blade is too handy a tool not to have with you, and the extra functions of the Officer's Model are just an added bonus in my mind.

[Nighthawk]

I surprised the clan society members in the booth beside mine this last weekend when we set up for the Tartan Day festival by whipping my razor sharp sgain out and using it to cut twine. A dull knife is about as useful as teets on a boor.

[Micric]

Skauwt,

You replied to Koe Gondeks question;

"why carry one at all if you don't intend to use it?"
with the reply;

"Tradition,....like sporran and kilt pin..."

But we actually Use the sporran, and some of us use a kilt pin
So what makes the sgian dubh purely decorative??

Thanks!

Richard.

[BobsYourUncle]

THE OFFICER sgian dubh by Gaelic Themes is probably the most functional sgian dubh readily accessible on the open market. Undoubtedly it's greatest attribute is its wide, full length tang, making it one of the strongest (if not the strongest) sgians dubh available.

Ditto. I purchased mine from Rocky of USA Kilts. It is nice looking, functional and one of the best values out there. My understanding is that this model was developed based upon examples of sgian dubh used in military service. Evidence of this can be found in The Scottish Dirk by James Forman, Historical Arms Series No. 26, p. 39, Figure 60, the caption for which reads: "The relic of an uncommon sgian dubh. Picked up at a campsite where Highland soldiers assembled for embarkation to the Boer War. The hilt contains a number of rusted tools in the style of a Swiss Army knife. The scabbard's silver mounts are hallmarked for 1874. Other such examples survive but generally without this regimental association." Just saying....Cheers

[Streetcar]

THE OFFICER sgian dubh by Gaelic Themes is probably the most functional sgian dubh readily accessible on the open market. Undoubtedly it's greatest attribute is its wide, full length tang, making it one of the strongest (if not the strongest) sgians dubh available.

I seem to recall that you had a hand in it's design, didn't you?

If so, nicely done!

[skauwt]

Skauwt,

You replied to Koe Gondeks question;

"why carry one at all if you don't intend to use it?"
with the reply;

"Tradition,....like sporran and kilt pin..."

But we actually Use the sporran, and some of us use a kilt pin
So what makes the sgian dubh purely decorative??

Thanks!

Richard.

Well the type of stone , a family crest for example
I feel as if I'm having to account for scotlands laws here for some reason....

I cannot stress enough as much as I'd love a fully function blade lock knife and all the like or sgian... the laws in scotland forbid me too so why carry one you may ask as I said before tradition its part of the highland dress to not wear a sgian isn't being traditional now is it

Any further querys about the law I'd suggest having a wee read at guitar matts link

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I seem to recall that you had a hand in it's design, didn't you?

If so, nicely done!

Thanks!

Designers often carp about manufacturers, but in this instance Scott Chalmers at Gaelic Themes has done as close to a perfect job as anyone possibly could. It really is a first rate product.

[NewGuise]

It really is a first rate product.

It is indeed. Slohairt at Keltoi talked me into the purchase when I was dubious that it could possibly be as fine as it appeared; he was of course right.

And I wear and use it more now that I have a custom sheath that is every bit as practical, courtesy of Cavscout.

Man, I love the folks on this forum...

[PEEDYC]

SKAUWT is correct as the sgian dubh can be an exception to the law in the UK as detailed here (extract from the legalese) "The phrase "good reason" in subsection 4 is intended to allow for "common sense" possession of knives, so that it is legal to carry a knife if there is a bona fide reason to do so. Subsection 5 gives some specific examples of bona fide reasons: a knife for use at work (e.g. a chef's knife), as part of a national costume (e.g. a sgian dubh for the Scottish national costume), or for religious reasons (e.g. a Sikh Kirpan)."

I have several sgians which vary from casual to dress but all are "decoration" only and not functional. When not in use they hang on a wall as a display and a good conversation piece.