To do or not to do

[Ranald]

The recent post about the William Wallace walk to London has brought up another question for me.
I will be attending the final march from the Houses of Parliment to Smithfield but I want to know do you think it's bad form to wear a skian dubh or not.
Now I've carried knives all my life and although it may or may not be illegal (depending on size)I've still done it.I've never used the knife for anything other than for a tool, and they have got me out of numerous problems, like when my motorbike broke down and the wiring needed some first aid to get me home,and likewise with my cars(screwdriver etc).
The first thing I made as a small child was a knife, I've always known them as a tool and not something to show off with or to scare anyone.
The problem could also be due to the terrorist actions in London recently police presence will be obviously high, do I want to attract attention to myself?
I've worn the skian dubh before out but that was when I was out and about with the Pipe band and second at my own wedding, but this day is different.
I have no intention of offending anyone and weather to carry or not I will leave up to you.
I understand in history the knife was a hidden secreted about ones person and the sock carrying way is a victorian invention but as I already said there will be a large police presents especially if streets are closed to accomadate the march.
If anyone could put any light on the subject with the British legal system in mind I would be grateful.

[Bob C]

If it's legal there, wear it.

[Dreadbelly]

Last I checked, you needed a permit to have a vegetable peeler in public. :grin:

[Big Paul]

Last I checked, you needed a permit to have a vegetable peeler in public. :grin:

Now that's funny right there! Sad, but funny..

[GMan]

With the present state of fear and mistrust in the world today, probably not be a good idea. But now we bring into the account of tradition, and what all that entails. Two sides of the coin, that both have merit.

I would probably wear one, but with this in mind, take one that you would not be upset if you do not ever see it again, especially if you have to surrender it, you still have shown the tradition.

Just my thoughts.

[Ranald]

With the present state of fear and mistrust in the world today, probably not be a good idea. But now we bring into the account of tradition, and what all that entails. Two sides of the coin, that both have merit.

I would probably wear one, but with this in mind, take one that you would not be upset if you do not ever see it again, especially if you have to surrender it, you still have shown the tradition.

Just my thoughts.

You know what, I was thinking of making one with no sharp edge and rounded on the tip like a re-enactment weapon but I've heard horror stories of people being taken to court even for that, then to have it thrown out of court.
I asked the missus and she reckons you wouldn't go armed to a funeral so this occasion who knows.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Dang... I must be asleep at the switch or somethin' ... just got the pun from the thread title - "To dubh or not to dubh" -

"Another Drambuie please..."

[James]

I would certainly wear my skean dhu-as I do anyway: both in and around London: or wherever else I happen to be.

For it is one of the things that distinguishes the kilt as a kilt, and of course the clan/highland as opposed to the Scottish connection.

James

[taipei personality]

Have you thought about the one-piece "safety" sgian dubhs?

http://scottishkilts.net/products/sa...gian_dubh.html

[James]

Sorry not to have responded.

Most unlikely that I'll be attending the march.

James