Sgian Dubh Appropriate?

[Rubber Soul]

this happened a while back, I just remembered to ask about it now!

On Christmas Eve, I went to church wearing my kilt. I wore the traditional hose, ghillie brouges, the whole shabang, including the Sgian Dubh. About half way through the preachers opening, I realized that I had brough my sgian dubh to church, a place of peace and worship.

So what's your take on it? Is it part of the formal regalia, or is it not suited for certain circumstances, such as that one?

[Brasilikilt]

Hey there

I understand your reservations regarding bringing what might be seen by some as a weapon into church.

Your sgian dubh is part of your formal attire, by wearing it all you are doing is trying to look your best for a special occasion.

In it's heyday a sgian dubh's primary function was not that of a weapon, but mainly as an eating and general utility knife...

The practice of wearing it in the sock came from the old days when you were a guest in someone's home, it was considered friendly and polite to keep any blades out in the open where everyone can see them.
If you're wearing a kilt, your sock is a very handy place to keep it.

just my 2 cents

Brasilikilt

[Graham]

Dylan, I tend to wear a sgian dubh for only the most formal occasions.

Church is not especially formal for me here so I usually wear a kilt casually often with short socks and T shirt, I guess it depends on your church.

[Freelander Sporrano]

I havn't worn a Sgian Dhu since the last one I had lost it's stone. Sten Rune is at present making an Antler handle for it...

However I wouldn't think twice about wearing it to church here in Norway. Knives are part of the Norwegian National dress and Many men wear them on special occasions

[macwilkin]

I wear my sgain dhu with my kilt to the Mass, and in church on many occasions. Think of the sgain dhu, as other posters have pointed out, as a utility knife, like a Swiss Army Knife -- how many men have pocket-knifes, etc. with them at church?

Now dirks & swords are another thing -- I've been at St. Andrew's Day & Kirkin' services where some have wanted to wear their weapons -- at our St. Andrew's Day service, we ask gents not to wear dirks, swords, etc., to preserve the sanctity of the church and respect the ancient right of sanctuary.

Being Anglicans, that whole Thomas Becket-murder in the cathederal thing is our motivation! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

T.

[GMan]

Dylan,

IMHO it just depends on the situation, and how you feel people will react. I have worn mine to weddings and such, but also have gone without. The advise the others have given is great. My only thing is that you be kilted with pride! Somehow I do not think that is a problem for you.

[bikercelt1]

I've worn my sgian dubh at church when it was a formal event and I was "formally" dressed (as formal as I get that it is). I did have some people ask about it and I explained the custom of leaving ones weapons at the door and told them that the sgian dubh in the sock signified that I was unarmed and of peaceful intent. That tickled their fancy so much that they couldn't wait to share the information with others. The only problem is that now if they don't see the sgian dubh they want to know if I'm armed!

Jamie

[Rubber Soul]

Alright, thank you all for your help!

I consider the sgian dubh one of the coolest and most interesting item included in all the kilt accessories, so I always enjoy wearing it. I suppose it won't be a problem, thanks.

[Andrew Breecher]

You can also get "fake" sgian dubh replicas made of solid resin. That way you get the look of the sgian dubh without it being an actual weapon. I don't know about the quality of these items, but it might also replace the weapon aspect that makes you uncomfortable. Me, I just don't wear one. I don't even own one, and don't have any plans to get one. I don't feel it's necessary.

Andrew.

[Raphael]

If you are going to carry a knife, you better learn how to use it. It may turn against you.