Where not to wear a sgian dubh

[Makeitstop]

The laws in the Southeastern United States (AKA "The South") seem much different.

That may be true in general, but the trouble is that knife laws have a nasty tendency to show up at the local level, which can complicate things greatly.

For example, around here, state laws are fairly loose as long as the item is not concealed, and doesn't fall into certain categories. However, if I cross county lines (as I often do) some of my pocket knives, and if I chose to wear it, my cheap sgian would no longer be legal. And then there are additional city ordinances covering knives which make it even harder to keep up.

On the bright side, even when they are technically illegal, no one really cares about a tiny little pocket knife. As long as its in a pocket, no one even has to know its there. A sgian dubh on the other hand is meant to be visible, and is not generally understood and accepted as a harmless, mundane tool by much of the population.

The key to all of this is common sense. Hopefully the laws are based on common sense. When they are not, typically they will still allow discretion, so the common sense may be used in their application. But either way, we must use common sense and try to avoid getting into trouble in the first place.

[Dr Mac]

Such as here in the great nation of Texas, Dirk! lol

[Woodsheal]

Oops! That should've been posted in the "kilts too long" thread. Can the mods move it, please?

[Howard Clark]

Oh that it were so everywhere. I'd like it eve better if the whole country was "shall carry" for anyone not disqualified from more modern means. Not gonna happen though. That's why me likes it in the country, and not so much in the city.

Be sensible, and don't act like a dink, and you will be fine most places, I think.

Of course it 'could' depend on how big the sgian dubh is, as well. Iowa code differentiates by blade length what is and is not all right to carry.

If it is a smallish knife, not many around here get too excited. A six inch blade in your sock would get you noticed in a bad way though, I suspect. Not to mention being awkward.

[Detroitpete]

I'm thinking anytime that the carrier is wearing a Speedo. Just bad form, eh?

[Q-Piper]

Discretion in carry would appear to be the way to go. If you need to display the handle & sheath and would run afoul of the law there are enough chinese knockoffs where you could glue the thing together or snap the blade off and seal the handle to the sheath.

Having worked in public safety and always having a working blade upon myself even in Air Terminals, it got interesting. Jurisdictions and duties overlap and all. Still if in doubt leave the Sgian Dubh home or locked in the car. Still most LEOs I've dealt with understood the nature of the small knife was more ornimental than functional. That being the case a museum replica shop near Atlanta GA sells a sgian with an unsharped ornimental blade. Makes an OK letter opener but a really poor knife.

Don't wear one to the County Court House, or District Justice Hall. the Bailiffs don't like it either.

[Carolina Kiltman]

While many sources point to the Sgian Dubh as a "weapon of last resort", research I did a while back also pointed to the fact that in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland) a host probably would not have enough cutlery to set before all guests for a meal. So it was common courtesy to bring one's own cutlery, hence the knife and fork on the "dress dirks" and the Sgian Dubh is also, from its shape a skinning knife, and quite probably also served as an eating utensil too. This being several centuries later, it is best, perhaps to to follow the advice above. I also remember seeing (can't give you a link) of plastic ones for the kids. worth a try?

[thanmuwa]

in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland)

When did the Highlands move south of the border? Are the lowlands of Scotland now in England too?

[Carolina Kiltman]

When did the Highlands move south of the border? Are the lowlands of Scotland now in England too?

My apologies!!!! I should have said the British Isles! (an ancient, late relative, is now spinning in his grave; he always referred to the English as the "Base, Brutal, and Bloody Saxons!") Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea MaximaCulpa!

[Phil]

research I did a while back also pointed to the fact that in poorer areas of England (such as the highlands of Scotland)

Doesn't say much for the quality of the research, does it? I find it hard to believe that a member of this forum could demonstrate such ignorance of the Scottish people as to state that they are, or ever have been, in any shape, fashion or form part of England.