Folding Knife as a Sgian Dubh?

**Ivy** · 21st November 08, 01:01 AM

My every day carry is an Opinel #8 folder whether I'm in pants or kilted...it's sweet little knife, sharp as hell, and costs next to nothing. I take good care of it, but if I lose it or something disastrous happens I don't worry much. When kilted I just tuck it in my hose. Fortunately Washington has some pretty loose rules when it comes to open carry. I'd be more concerned with a traditional sgian, since I think it could be considered a dagger.

**Geoff Withnell** · 21st November 08, 05:43 AM

Daggers are normally double edged. Since most of the traditional sgians are single edge, I know in my home state (Maryland) the sgian is NOT a dagger.

Geoff Withnell

Originally Posted by Ivy

My every day carry is an Opinel #8 folder whether I'm in pants or kilted...it's sweet little knife, sharp as hell, and costs next to nothing. I take good care of it, but if I lose it or something disastrous happens I don't worry much. When kilted I just tuck it in my hose. Fortunately Washington has some pretty loose rules when it comes to open carry. I'd be more concerned with a traditional sgian, since I think it could be considered a dagger.

**Ivy** · 21st November 08, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

Daggers are normally double edged. Since most of the traditional sgians are single edge, I know in my home state (Maryland) the sgian is NOT a dagger.

Geoff Withnell

Yeah, it probably wouldn't be an issue here either, but if you're going to get hassled over the silly little thing anyway spearpoint blade shape probably won't help your cause. The Opinel works so well for EDC anyway. Personally I've never been hassled about any knife, and I carry one on my person at all times. I did get one confiscated at the door to a punk rock show a few years back, but that was my bad for not leaving it in the car. I feel weird without it in my pocket.

**Panache** · 21st November 08, 03:52 PM

I have been reading this thread and it occurs to me that a "waiter's friend" (bottle opener, corkscrew, and small blade) is both long enough and light enough to work as a sgian dubh.

I have a nice looking one so I'll have to try it with mine and see.

Cheers

Jamie

**Smayniac** · 21st November 08, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

Daggers are normally double edged. Since most of the traditional sgians are single edge, I know in my home state (Maryland) the sgian is NOT a dagger.

Geoff Withnell

In California, peace officers have fairly wide discretion to call something a dirk. It needn't be double edged like a dagger would be, giving the police the ability to call things illegal weapons in wider circumstance.

Bob

**csbdr** · 21st November 08, 11:39 AM

I've never done a folder, but my father-in-law brought me a Tibetan fixed blade knife back from a visit to China. It has beautiful polished stones and wood scales. It's a bit heavy, but the blade/sheath tucks nicely into the top of my higher boots, which gives some extra support, and is really lovely!

**Moosedog** · 21st November 08, 12:34 PM

Shaun, that is a sweet knife...Thanks for the link, I visited Lyttle's website and there is some amazingly beautiful work there. I daren't look at the prices...

Moosedog

**Moosedog** · 21st November 08, 03:59 PM

Jamie , I have done the same thing. Mine has a rather prominent corkscrew so I made a little sheath to smooth it out against my leg.

Moosedog

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 21st November 08, 09:04 PM

One hears tales of individuals running afoul of the police because they have a sgian dubh in their hose top. Forgive my incredulity, but I would like to hear from someone who, while peacefully going about their lawful business, was accosted by the law. I don't want to hear any "buddy of mine" stories, or stories about being caught up in a fracas along with a dozen other people and (wrongfully) charged with possession of a dangerous/deadly weapon, or anything even remotely similar. I'd just like to hear one, first person, experience where merely wearing a sgian dubh landed you in trouble with the cops.

And like Sgt. Joe Friday said, "Give us the facts ma'am. Just the facts."

**ThistleDown** · 22nd November 08, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

One hears tales of individuals running afoul of the police because they have a sgian dubh in their hose top. Forgive my incredulity, but I would like to hear from someone who, while peacefully going about their lawful business, was accosted by the law. I don't want to hear any "buddy of mine" stories, or stories about being caught up in a fracas along with a dozen other people and (wrongfully) charged with possession of a dangerous/deadly weapon, or anything even remotely similar. I'd just like to hear one, first person, experience where merely wearing a sgian dubh landed you in trouble with the cops.

And like Sgt. Joe Friday said, "Give us the facts ma'am. Just the facts."

Yup. Here in the frozen north, I'd like to know about any of those first-hands ones, too.