"all-around" sgian dubh?

[beerbecue]

Is there a particular style of sgian dubh that is 'appropriate' for wear any time? A 'one-sgian fits all' style?

I am leaning towards a stag horn with some sort of inset.... but I remember seeing in the past a blackwood handle with a thistle carved on top - but can't seem to find them anywhere anymore....

[Lallans]

You are asing for opinions. Here is mine: I would say it depends on what and how many sorts of occasions you will attend kilted, and on the image of yourself you wish to convey at those times. Myself I have a hand-crafted horn hilted sgian dubh that is set with 'mossy agate' stones, and which really looks good with my tartan. The fact that I wear this one sgian everywhere probably says something about me, perhaps that I want to have a real one with a real blade and also don't believe in too much formality. However, if I was going to do the full Prince Charlie more than once a year at very formal Scottish affairs, I would undoubtedly use that as an excuse to purchase a more formal sgian which, since real blades of that sort are almost impossible to find for less than too much, I'm afraid would be a plastic handed one with an entirely blunt and unsharpenable blade etc. In fact now that I've thought about it, I probably will purchase a "Sgian Don't" because (1) on the odd occasion I have had to check my real sgian at the door and (2) I could always say I had to have that for any dinners with the Prime Minister and the US President etc. Security you know, and if such an invitation WAS to arrive, I'll be ready to go! The real bonus, if I haven't explained it well, is that there is no such a thing as an expensive one-piece sgian (is there?). And no one could criticise you for having one because of, you know, your dinners with the President or whomever!

[Tobus]

Is there a particular style of sgian dubh that is 'appropriate' for wear any time? A 'one-sgian fits all' style?

I am leaning towards a stag horn with some sort of inset.... but I remember seeing in the past a blackwood handle with a thistle carved on top - but can't seem to find them anywhere anymore....

I'm glad you asked this question, as I've been wondering about it too. I have an el-cheapo black plastic sgian dubh that's a little too 'formal' looking for casual day wear, but is too 'cheap' looking for formal wear.

I'm looking to spend some appreciable money on ONE quality hand-made sgian dubh (from a local knife-maker). Due to the money it will cost, I'd like it to be suitable for all occasions. I lean towards the stag-horn handle because I love the way it looks. But like you, I don't know if it's appropriate for more formal attire. Not that I ever attend formal functions, but it's best to be prepared for anything! In reality, the most dressed up I'd ever be in my kilt is an Argyll jacket with a tie. Is a stag-horn sgian dubh well-suited to that level of dress?

[longhuntr74]

Since we're sharing opinions...I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE those cheap looking plastic, fake stone, fake silver clan crest (or otherwise adorned) "Dress" sgain dubhs. I would say ANY quality antler handled one would be more appropriate on all occasions than a cheap piece of C@#p! I don't really see why, or agree that there is a distinction...sure some are more ornate than others, but I'd say that if it's a quality crafted piece that it's appropriate for all occasions. I don't own one yet, but when I do buy one it, like Tobus, it will most likely be an antler handle and will be used for all occasions. Best call the kilt police now!

[DougC]

Tobus--I recall you are in Bandera; I'd like to know who you use and how it turns out. I have one antler knife I picked up when I was 12 yrs old in Scotland and one dress that I got for Christmas last year. I would really like one that represents the Texas Hill Country for all-around wear--maybe a cedar handled Celtic knot.

[beerbecue]

I will be wearing it to all my kilted activities where I feel like having the sgian - parading, solo piping, maybe a gig or two if I ever get one, basically, all occasions - probably wearing my military sporran because, well, it is what I wear while piping....

I never wear a prince charlie, so never go that formal.....

I stumbled upon Comrie Craft today, and am ogling several there.... the dollar and pound are in a good place right now too.....

http://www.scottishsgiandubhs.co.uk/...tail=34&show=7

http://www.scottishsgiandubhs.co.uk/...etail=8&show=1

http://www.scottishsgiandubhs.co.uk/...tail=31&show=3

[thescot]

The model shown above by Poole Swords is probably the best ofr all around usage. It looks dressy enough with the silver cap for dress wear, but palin enough for day wear. The stones on the first two are too dressy for daywear in my opinion.

I read once that the crown stag handle was fine for both, and I have a very nice one, but it's just too top heavy to suit me. So I carry a small, bone handled sgian for all occassions. It is so unobtrusive that it virtually disappears in my hose; it doesn't look too dressy for daywear, but it also looks nice enough for dress.

[beerbecue]

I think, as will all things, that this will come down to personal taste... I appreciate the photo input....

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Poole Swords makes a very decent sgian dubh with a carved ebony hilt in the regimental style. It has nickle-silver fittings, a leather covered sheath and sells for around $125.00:

Pooley (not Poole) swords and sgians dubh are made in India by their partners, Windlass Steel, the same people who own Atlanta Cutlery and Museum Replicas.

[lammy d]

I bought this one http://www.scottishsgiandubhs.co.uk/...tail=91&show=3 I can say it is a good product and it was fast delivery they all seem very well priced