Taking my knives to UK

**Farmer Jones** · 24th May 17, 08:57 AM

I will be standing in for my brother to give my niece away at her wedding in a few months time. I live in Canada and she is in UK. I have been asked to dress with formality and with all the regalia. That would include a dirk and sgian dubh. I understand that there are restrictions in UK about the ownership and carrying of knives. I would like to bring mine and take them back with me out of the country. Before contacting the British authorities I was wondering if anyone else has experience doing this, or being banned from doing this. I will wade my way through the bureaucracy depending on the experiences of others.

**Steve Ashton** · 24th May 17, 09:16 AM

May I suggest you make a quick telephone call to one of the kilt hire outfits in the UK and ask what information the give out on this topic.

They deal with this on a daily basis.

Then report back please. So others will know what you find out.

**Farmer Jones** · 24th May 17, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

May I suggest you make a quick telephone call to one of the kilt hire outfits in the UK and ask what information the give out on this topic.

They deal with this on a daily basis.

Then report back please. So others will know what you find out.

I will find one and have a relative phone and ask.

**Arnot** · 24th May 17, 11:44 AM

I live in the Lancashire, UK. I wear a kilt when I go anywhere. I always carry a sgian dubh without any issues. I know plenty of pipers that carry dirks in full regalia as well. Full regalia should be full regalia whether a piper or you are giving the bride away. I really don't see a problem unless the venue has issues with it. Maybe don't go shopping on the high street carrying them as there are some uptight folk about.

**The Q** · 25th May 17, 02:58 AM

You can wear a Sgian Dubh anywhere in the UK in public when wearing full highland dress, there is a specific law that allows this. (blade length max 3.5 inches).
However owners of any property, can choose to not allow you in Wearing a sgian Dubh. Down the Pub in a rough area it would get you thrown out and you'd still likely to be still arrested for carrying an offensive weapon. Some pubs / hotels / entertainment facilities just have a blanket ban on any knives.

You can carry blades larger than this providing you have justification in the polices eyes, and their eyes can be quite fickle.
An offensive weapon is ANYTHING, THEY decide is an offensive weapon, yes the courts make the final decision but do you want that hassle?

Reenactors often carry bayonets swords etc to and from events, but they are in a secure case, in the boot of a car or luggage space of a bus.

Then you have the problem of Bringing into the country I suggest you read this https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-c...ensive-weapons

If you can get the Dirk through customs, you could probably wear it at the Church, and at the reception no Problem. But it just needs one idiot member of the public at any point to Phone 999 in a panic that someone had a big knife and the world would descend on your head.
The police tasered an old man with a fold up walking stick not long ago because someone decided it looked like a shotgun...

Personally I'd leave the Dirk at home.

**Jock Scot** · 25th May 17, 03:25 AM

Q is quite right there are specific exemptions within the UK law for carrying knives(SD's) that are in keeping when wearing national attire. What the Customs Officers may do and think about the dirk is beyond my ken.

Just so you know, unless you are a piper where the dirk may be a part of the uniform, but in normal circumstances the general kilted public in Scotland, including at weddings, formal or not, then the dirk is not worn. Many, most even, here would consider doing so as very odd, regardless of what the UK law might or might not say on that specific matter. I fully agree with Q that it might be best to leave the dirk at home as it might be more trouble than its worth.

**McMurdo** · 25th May 17, 06:06 AM

I'd simply borrow a sgian while there or perhaps purchase one while over and pack it away in your luggage, not carry on for the trip back. Having been lucky enough to have an heirloom quality sgian dubh I would be reticent to travel outside the country with it for fear of it being confiscated and not returned. As for the dirk I would give it a pass.

**Farmer Jones** · 25th May 17, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Q is quite right there are specific exemptions within the UK law for carrying knives(SD's) that are in keeping when wearing national attire. What the Customs Officers may do and think about the dirk is beyond my ken.

Just so you know, unless you are a piper where the dirk may be a part of the uniform, but in normal circumstances the general kilted public in Scotland, including at weddings, formal or not, then the dirk is not worn. Many, most even, here would consider doing so as very odd, regardless of what the UK law might or might not say on that specific matter. I fully agree with Q that it might be best to leave the dirk at home as it might be more trouble than its worth.

We are a little behind the times in my part of Canada.

**Jock Scot** · 25th May 17, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by Farmer Jones

We are a little behind the times in my part of Canada.

You must be! Its been the way that I describe above over here for some 70+ years that I know of!

**Father Bill** · 25th May 17, 08:58 AM

Since neither dirks nor sghians are a "required" part of highland dress, frankly, I'd leave them at home. Nobody will notice and you won't have the hassle or worry.