Has carrying a sgian dubh ever caused anyone problems?

[gilmore]

In Seattle, Washington, it's illegal to carry a blade of more than 3 inches (but you can easily get a permit to carry a handgun.. go figure). I had a police officer tell me I need to leave it at home or be arrested next time he saw me with it. I feel it's a silly law since there is no law about carrying pens, pencils, forks, or anything else that can be used as a stabbing weapon.

Why not file down the blade to three inches?

[Archangel]

In Seattle, Washington, it's illegal to carry a blade of more than 3 inches (but you can easily get a permit to carry a handgun.. go figure). I had a police officer tell me I need to leave it at home or be arrested next time he saw me with it. I feel it's a silly law since there is no law about carrying pens, pencils, forks, or anything else that can be used as a stabbing weapon.

It's kind of important to know how the law works. In the case of Washington state, the legislators have deemed that a blade more than 3" is a weapon, shorter than that it is a cutting tool. The other items you have mentioned are tools until they are used as weapons. After that, I'm not sure how the state law would go.
Once it has been deemed a weapon, it is very hard to get it changed back. Especially, you, one person, against the system. You'd have to have a sgian dhu exemption so you could try and have every pipe band, clan society, etc., lobby for a change.
The UK law as a model is pretty good. It says that a sgian dhu, when you're kilted, is part of the deal, when you remove it, it becomes a weapon.

Or get a custom sgian dhu at 2 7/8" blade, but usually the law has already written something in that will catch that dodge, especially in a almost concealed (the length is inside the sock) knife.

disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, I have a pretty good understanding of it. Before you do anything, talk to a lawyer in your state.

[ardchoille]

Especially, you, one person, against the system. You'd have to have a sgian dhu exemption so you could try and have every pipe band, clan society, etc., lobby for a change.

That makes a lot of sense. I'm going to work on getting this changed. No reason that carrying a sgian dubh, while kilted, should be seen a weapon. I like the way the UK views this model.

[Streetcar]

In Seattle, Washington, it's illegal to carry a blade of more than 3 inches (but you can easily get a permit to carry a handgun.. go figure). I had a police officer tell me I need to leave it at home or be arrested next time he saw me with it. I feel it's a silly law since there is no law about carrying pens, pencils, forks, or anything else that can be used as a stabbing weapon.

Point of clarification here: Washington law does not specifically prohibit carrying a fix-bladed knife. However, carrying a knife with a blade length in excess of 3" during the commision of a crime can augment a sentence.

Seattle Municipal code, however, prohibits the carrying of any fixed bladed knife, regardless of length.

However, I'm seriously suprised a Seattle Officer challenged you about the knife. Officers have a fair amount of discretion here...

[James MacMillan]

Strong feelings are coming out here. And I have some of my own.

I'm an old geezer. When I was growing up, every kid had a pocket knife. It was usually a Boker or Boy Scout folder. We used them for everything, short of stabbing the teacher. It was part of the uniform of my youth. I would never have felt fully dressed, without a pocket knife in my pocket.

I still feel this way, it's just that now, I don't have any pockets.

The only time in recent memory that I can remember being without a piece of steel was the time from the airline check-in counter - to picking up my bags. I did not have a knife close to hand, but a fountain pen, can be deadly, if you know how to use it.

The sgian dubh is a weapon, but it is also a tool.

I have been in banks, police stations, bars, restuarants, everywhere, and never have I been questioned.

But like I said, I'm an old geezer, and maybe I can carry it off better than a 19 or 20 year old.

I think it comes down to a matter of attitude, up-bringing, and personality.

[slohairt]

No I've never had any problem. Most people don't even notice it!

[McG]

Normally git awa wae it as it is part o' the national dress but if ye go tae a niteclub they wull probably tuk it aff ye until ye come oot.Every where else dinnae mind!