Wearing of a dirk

[billmcc]

Here in central Florida most guys wear a dirk to indicate they served in the military.

Is there a specific reason why people wear a dirk with Highland dress in Scotland and other parts of the world?

[davedove]

I would like to hear if there is a traditional reason for wearing the dirk. I do like that reason though, and it would give me an excuse to buy a dirk. Yeah, I know I don't really need one, but it sounds good.

[macwilkin]

Here in central Florida most guys wear a dirk to indicate they served in the military.

Is there a specific reason why people wear a dirk with Highland dress in Scotland and other parts of the world?

I wonder if they might be affiliated with SAMS -- the Scottish American Military Society -- and this might be some sort of uniform requirement or custom with their post?

Cheers,

Todd

[flyv65]

There is little to no rhyme or reason associated with wearing a dirk in the Rockies that I've observed. you'll see them at highland games,l Celtic festivals, Cielidhs (sp?), and rarely, with a Montrose doublet (which I am given to understand, is the only proper time to wear one).

Bryan...I think it's like Outback Steakhouse: no rules, just right...

[lrpddrummie]

Bill,

It is my understanding that the dirk is only to worn with regimental attire or as outlined by that particular regiment. Every regiment has guidelines as to how to dress, what to wear and when to wear particular attire.

You will see many pipe bands that wear regimental type uniforms which includes the wearing of a dirk. As far as pipe bands are concerned the dirk is only worn with a regimental or military type uniform although you will see bands that will wear them with an Argyle which is actually improper.

But like everything else you will find that people will wear what every they want despite traditions, customs, regulations, and simple good taste. There are plenty of pictures posted on this site which are examples of that.

[KiltedKnight]

It was my understanding that the reason for wearing the dirk was in case you wanted to go armed with something other than and in addition to the sgian dubh. That makes more sense than wearing one simply for looks and with what jacket.
I'm also told that there is usually a loop in the kilt to steady the dirk and keep it from flopping all over as they definately will if only suspended by the beltloop but I haven't found one yet. :smile:
There are differences in types of dirks also, there are plain ones and regimental dirks and I would imagine many types in between.

[prattw]

Dirks are customary for civilian wear. This originated with the Victorian "everything, PLUS the kitchen sink" look. "Traditonal" US usage (in the _So you're going to wear the kilt_ sense) is for black tie equivalent.

I wear mine for full formal occasions when I'm not wearing a waistcoat. (It's hard to wear it with a waistcoat, since there's no belt to hang it on. It says something about a culture when a knife with an 11-inch blade is considered appropriate for wear to a formal dinner.) I also wear mine to Renfaire, with period shirt and philabeg. I don't wear it with a tweed jacket at the highland games, though there are people I consider sane who do. There are also people who wear a dirk with t-shirt and sneakers at the games, who I do NOT consider sane.

Will Pratt

[michael steinrok]

I wear a dirk at functions and games and always with a sgian. I may not always wear the dirk but I never leave without the sgian when I wear a traditional kilt. But, that's just me :smile: