The wearing of Sgian Dughs

[Matthew Siegmann]

Blast it all! When I go kilted I keep getting asked where my Sgian Dugh is. So much so that it almost feels like harassment sometimes. How hard is it for people to accept that I just don't feel like wearing one and that I'm not comfortable going to most places wearing one? I know some people don't consider it a weapon, but it still is a blade. It doesn't really serve much of a modern day purpose except as an accoutrement for me. Unless I'm going out into the wilderness kilted (which one of these days I will when I've completed my schooling), I don't have a use for a sgian dugh. I just don't get it. Any backup from anyone on this? ~Matthew

[jordanjm]

I would suggest either ignoring the comments, or creating some sort of Sgian Don't.

[beloitpiper]

For me, the sgian dubh is jewelery. Therefore, I only wear it to dressy events. And even then, I usually opt for a sgian brew.

[HarborSpringsPiper]

I carry a knife everywhere, all of the time. I've rarely if ever thought of them as weapons, rather as quite handy tools, which I use frequently. The sgian dubh generally fits the bill for penknife uses anyway.

Interesting that most people recognize that you don't have a sgian dubh when you are kilted. Most people ask me what's sticking out of my sock.

[BEEDEE]

The only time I choose to wear a sgian dubh is at a Scottish function where I know it will be expected and accepted. The rest of the time, I don't wear one at all.

I have only had one comment, at a Reform Jewish Temple after services when the president of the congregation came up to me and said "You are improperly dressed". The kilt outfit did not bother him, it was the lack of a sgian dubh. When I explained that I preferred to not wear one in a religious setting he quite understood.

Brian

[davidlpope]

You'll run into a number of folks that feel they have free license to critique your clothing when you're kilted. I think this is just one example.

Best of luck.

Cordially,

David

[Matthew Siegmann]

I have thought of hireing Chuck Norris to follow me around while I'm kilted and give anyone opposing my choices in what I wear with it a roundhouse kick to the head. However that could get quite expensive for me and thus would not be practical. (Also, those being kicked could resourt to the courts to punish me back.) Thanks for the advice gentlemen. Keep it comming!

[Riverkilt]

I'm with you. Often don't wear one. Understand how many consider them tools - and that's about all I use mine for - cutting cheese or an apple when nibbling in the car.

Over 40 years ago when I was a kid cop my habit was to unload my service revolver when I came home. I'd reload it when I left the house to go on duty. The act of loading the service revolver was sort of like a gear shift in my brain. Switching from the serenity of home to the reality of the streets.

Whenever I choose to wear a sgian dubh and tuck it into my kilt hose I get just a wee bit of that same feeling - that I have a bit of a weapon on board...not saying its logical - just get that old feeling.

The decision on whether or not to wear a sgian dubh is entirely based on where I plan to be. And I've been known to start out wearing one, then leave it behind in the car if plans change and I need to go somewhere I feel it would be inappropriate.

My choice.

[MacKay71]

It's totally up to you weather to wear one or not. Don't worry about others. I always have something in my hose. If I feel a sgian dubh is not appropriate, I have an all wood sgian don't I use instead.

[billmcc]

I rarely wear a sgian dubh. The folding knife in my sporran is a much better tool.