delving deeper with dirks

[CMcG]

I've been reading some older threads about dirks and would like to see if I can elicit a bit more from the rabble.

First I'll summarize what I've gleaned thus far. Dirks seem to have rather limited use today: as part of some military or band uniforms, for white tie formal (only for black tie if one is addressing the Haggis on Burns night), and in historical styles worn by re-enactors. The opposition towards dirks found several faults with them: too costumey, that dirks themselves were either garbage tat or too expensive (antiques/custom), and that carrying such a large knife was inappropriate or illegal in modern society. Is that about right?

Let's see if we can address some other aspects of the topic:

1) When a dirk is worn appropriately, how is it worn? Pictures would really help!
2) What kind of dirk do you prefer? Why? Pictures here too, if possible!

Historical, traditional, and contemporary opinions are all welcome

[Big Mikey]

I believe the wearing of a dirk is akin to wearing a plaid, it is a matter of personal taste and opinion. When dressing for an occasion, I consider where I'll be and whom I'll be with.

In my PC, my wife says I look very dashing, to elevate the look a bit more, I may don a plaid. To take it to a higher level, I will wear my dirk.

The dirk is an accessory that is rarely seen and so when worn, it makes a statement that the wearer is appearing at his very best.

The dirk I own is an officers version with bypass knife and fork. Though not having silver mounts nor being terribly expensive, it was not "cheap". It is asian made although to a quality that I find acceptable.

I also wear two kilt pins on most of my kilts. Why? Because I have many very nice ones and like the look and the way the extra weight holds an apron down.

I also wear two badges on my glengarry, one for my clan affiliation and one to honour my grandfather's military service.

These are by no means common pracitices but it works for me and I don't think anyone is offended or thinks less of my appearance for doing so.

Our humble membership will offer their opinions/guidelines for your consideration but ultimately, the choice is yours. Do as you see fit and enjoy.

The preceding is just one, fat, old mans' opinion.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Dirks are like top hats. With full formal attire they are perfectly acceptable. But when worn with anything else, they tend to look faintly ridiculous. As with the wearing of medals, there are certain "rules" which are followed when strapping on a dirk. In answer to your questions, here are those "rules":

When is it appropriate to wear a dirk with civilian Highland attire?

Generally speaking, the dirk is only worn with white tie. Even then, the wearing of a dirk is optional.

How is the dirk worn?

The dirk is always worn on the right side, slightly ahead of the the hip bone. It is worn suspended from a broad dirk belt, which is worn over the white waist coat.

What style dirk is most appropriate?

The most commonly seen dirks are those which are silver mounted, often with large stones (usually referred to as "cairngorms") set in the hilt. A smaller knife and fork may be attached to the sheath as further decoration. Many dirks worn with white tie are family heirlooms, and often are mementos of an ancestor's military service. It is perfectly appropriate to wear one's grandfather's dirk, whether he was a piper or the colonel of a regiment-- just about the only time it is acceptable to wear military items with civilian attire.

Dirks which are obviously intended for outdoor pursuits -- or historical reenactments -- are best not worn with white tie.

How will I know if wearing a dirk is appropriate?

If the invitation states: White Tie, Highland Attire Preferred, Medals then you can bet that the (optional) wearing of a dirk is appropriate. On the other hand, if the invitation states: Black Tie or any other form dress, (or doesn't mention it at all) then you can correctly assume that you shouldn't show up wearing a dirk.

Yes, I know that there is a school of thought that runs something like "I'm not in Scotland, so I'll wear what I please..." to which I can only preemptively reply that if one is going to wear Highland attire-- anywhere in the world-- then one should follow the rules of Highland attire, or dress in some other manner.

[thescot]

MoR lists the concerns quite well and succinctly. I think it's pretty clear, and it would be good to pay attention.

The only caveat I would add is that when you attend something like a reception for sponsors of the games, there is often a great deal of lattitude. Some will show up in very formal attire while others are more casually dressed. I would choose to dress appropriately, i.e., if formal, then I would wear the dirk. If choosing the less dressy PC, then it would be sans dirk. The event itself does not strictly state the mode of dress, but most will be in their best when you are at the Atlanta Highland Games. It really depends on the event hosts.

I think MoR stated it well in that one should dress appropriately and follow the rules. I wouldn't think of attending the symphony in black tie with sneakers any more than I would wear a tux to a morning wedding.

You can, of course, choose to flaunts the "rules," but I think it's in poor form to do so.

I have worm my jeweled dirk twice over the years; both times I was in a doublet with lace at a very formal outing.

[Taygrd]

Unfortunately most of the fomal gatherings that I attend or either on military bases or schools which would be a good way to meet the MP's or campus police if I wore a dirk. Current laws and public opinion severely limit the wearing of dirks otherwise I would wear one regularly.
Victorian style dirks are often gawdy and about as funtional as a an umbrella in the middle of a hurricane. This seems to be the norm however for Highland Dress since most of what we wear is styled from this period. I have a faint recollection of early dirks being worn in the front as sort of a phallic symbol being a throwback from the bollock dagger but I cannot easily reference that. I prefer dirks styles from 17th and 18th century since the form is less obnoxious than the later ones in my opinion. There are however a few Victorian era dirks that are quite attractive that make up for the "what were you thinking" dirks.

[CMcG]

I believe the wearing of a dirk is akin to wearing a plaid, it is a matter of personal taste and opinion. When dressing for an occasion, I consider where I'll be and whom I'll be with.

In my PC, my wife says I look very dashing, to elevate the look a bit more, I may don a plaid. To take it to a higher level, I will wear my dirk.

The dirk is an accessory that is rarely seen and so when worn, it makes a statement that the wearer is appearing at his very best.

<snip>

Dirks are like top hats. With full formal attire they are perfectly acceptable. But when worn with anything else, they tend to look faintly ridiculous. As with the wearing of medals, there are certain "rules" which are followed when strapping on a dirk. In answer to your questions, here are those "rules":

<snip>

Yes, I know that there is a school of thought that runs something like "I'm not in Scotland, so I'll wear what I please..." to which I can only preemptively reply that if one is going to wear Highland attire-- anywhere in the world-- then one should follow the rules of Highland attire, or dress in some other manner.

Thanks Big Mikey and MoR for your thoughtful replies. Despite the divided opinion about the nature of kilt wearing (personal taste vs. THCD "rules") there is a commonality: you see the dirk as symbolic of full, formal dress but still consider it optional. I'm not trying to polarize the discussion, just trying to get information and opinions.

Any pictures to illustrate the written examples? What about sources for the dirks you favour?

As an aside, MoR have you ever published a manual of THCD? If not, you should! If so, where can we get it?

Taygrd, you seem to know a few things about dirk history. Could you describe or provide pictures for these different styles you've mentioned?

[JSFMACLJR]

Any pictures to illustrate the written examples?

Yes, there certainly are quite a few pictures to show a dirk being worn.

[Taygrd]

Most of the early dirks are illustrated in portraits of the time. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has a good selection of those types.
http://www.nationalgalleries.org/
Look under Jacobite and Kilts as a search term. Perhaps two of the easier places to find a good history of the dirk is Scottish Swords and Dirks: An Illustrated Reference Guide to Scottish Edged Weapons by John Wallace and James D. Forman's book The Scottish Dirk. I guess these are as close to seminal resources that you can get aside from Drummond's book. Here is an early portrait of Highland dress showing the dirk worn as I spoke of.

Lord Murray's dirk is roughly c. 1168 -1700. I think this is the one that is mentioned in Forman's book and Daggers and Fighting Knives of the Western World by Peterson.
Here is another Murray with the dirk worn in the front.

Major Fraiser with his hand resting upon his.

Here is a clear painting of Clan Grant's Piper cira 1714:

And finaly the end result of the dirk worn to the side as a result of the Victorian times. Everyone should recognize Alastair.

[CMcG]

Thanks for the pics JSFMACLJR and Taygrd. Those definitely help with forming an idea of how a dirk fits into an overall, formal outfit. How functional do you think any of the dirks in those pictures are i.e. are they sharp and sturdy or just ceremonial?

Does anyone have close-ups of dirks they own or even just dirks they like?

Also, I'm a little surprised that we haven't heard any of the re-enactors or piper/military folk chime in... go on now, if you're reading this don't be shy! What about anyone out there that actually makes use of an antler or plain wood handle dirk? Or are they just too darn big to be useful for rustic pursuits?

[Taygrd]

I would have to say that most of the dirks in the paintings were functional blades, some may even be cutdowns of swords. Here is one I made for Greenfordranger. It is Elk and Water Buffalo horn with the traditional style sheath. Vince Evans MS and Mike McCrae also make period dirks that are unbelievable.