Dirks, yay or Nay!

[Fraser of Lovat]

So, this is my first post in the forum, I'd like to say to any who where up north for the Northern meeting Ball in Fort George, it was a hell of a night. I spotted a close cousin of mine sporting a handsome dirk while reeling. The ball itself is white tie as are most things I attend in a kilt ( except family funerals), so is it acceptable to sport a dirk and Sgian dubh in a white tie kilt outfit, or is it solely black tie, or is it only for pipers, or was my cousin being foolish and no one wears dirks now adays?!

[KiltFitz]

I think of them as ceremonial attire and unless participating in such a ceremony, then they are inappropriate.

IMHO they look out of place unless accompanied by equivalent regalia (normally sported by pipers in full dress uniform) and they don't enhance white tie at all. I'd also say that they can hardly be practical for reeling a young lady around at a ball whereas a sgian dubh will barely move.

[KiltFitz]

Oops, forgot to say: Welcome to XMarks!

[Fraser of Lovat]

Oh well I'll just get a fancy kilt pin, and thank you for the kind welcome!

[Jock Scot]

First of all, welcome from the other side of Inverness-shire.

If we are talking about conventions, then your cousin was well within the bounds by wearing his dirk to a white tie event. It is the time and the only time really, that a dirk can be worn to good effect, if that is what you wish-------assuming that you are not a piper etc.. Not that I go to white tie events these days, but I understand that dirks are not worn as often as they used to be, but if you happen to have a nice one, as opposed to some, probably not so cheap Chinese modern thing, then why not give it an airing once in a while?

[Phil]

from Edinburgh. This may give you an idea of when wearing a dirk might be appropriate -
but with all that heavy metal thrashing about I can't see much pleasure in dancing (never mind for you but everyone else within range). Probably best left at the door.

[Peter Crowe]

from a Scots expatriate in Massachusetts.

I can only concur with what others have stated so far. Dirks are acceptable with White tie equivalent THCD although personally speaking I find them superfluous.

[Liam]

Welcome to the forum!

I have a couple of dirks, that I've worn to weddings to be used to cut the wedding cake, to Robbie Burns suppers to cut the haggis and to renaissance festivals with my great kilt. Other than that they sit in the drawer.... As I'm not a Scottish Country dancer, I can't offer an opinion, but I would think a dirk might get in the way.

A suitable Sgian Dubh should be very appropriate, unless there are some rules at the event restricting knives.

Slainte...Bill

[Father Bill]

Another question for consideration: do you wish to be seen as a "warrior?" I won't wear one because besides being a darned nuisance, in my own opinion it would seem incompatible with my clerical collar in today's world - and that despite reputed historical arming of the highland clergy of which I've read. I live in this time and place, not that one.

[Nile]

Hello Fraser of Lovat, and welcome to X Marks from Delaware, USA.

There are a lot of opinions as to what is acceptable or not to wear with a kilt but, I believe it has a lot to do with context. I don't believe your cousin was being foolish. He may have been out of context relative to more current trends regarding the kilt but, in a more formal or historical sense, I'm sure his accessories were just fine for the 'Ball'.

My last name is Simpson, and my ancestors came to the US from Scotland so I am a de-facto member of the Fraser Clan (Fraser of Lovat specifically). I just recently received my heirloom (8 yard, 16oz wool, hand sewn) Fraser of Lovat modern kilt (seen here) made by, Bonnie Heather Greene, a member here.

I'm glad you chose to join the rabble and I look forward to your participation.

Nile