The Sgian Dubh, Canadian Law, and Personal Freedom and Rights

**LK-13** · 11th April 07, 10:39 PM

I've done a search but I could not find a thread or post that addressed my questions directly so here goes:

Is it Legal in Canada to carry a Sgian Dubh when just walking around going about ones daily routine?

It is a weapon, and carrying it in your sock could be considered carrying a concealed weapon.

But in the early 90s the Sikhs caused a great kuffle over making sure their male children could carry the Kirpan Dagger in Ontario Schools.
And Won based upon personal and religious freedom.

so could a similar case be made for carrying a Sgian Dubh?

and i wont even touch the idea of getting on an aircraft with one these days,
after all Airport Security is way too busy stopping the people with the Ninja Death Nail Clippers.

**Mr. Kilt** · 11th April 07, 10:53 PM

I don't wear mine regularly, but I've yet to have a problem with the law when I do.

**brandycr** · 11th April 07, 10:59 PM

liked the ninja death nail chippers part lol.

**The Wizard of BC** · 11th April 07, 11:43 PM

This subject was discussed about a year ago.

Please note the following from the policies of the forum.

The X Marks the Scot Kilt Forum is not a trained or licensed medical or legal facility. Nor is it staffed by persons trained in medical treatment or in matters of the law. Please do not submit posts seeking or offering advice in these matters, as this forum is not a professional environment that lends itself to this type of exchange. Posts containing these topics and/or comments will be deleted.

I suggest you take this question to your local Police Station, Office of the RCMP or to a Lawyer.

I'm not trying to be difficult. Just prudent. I asked the RCMP and got a very good answer.

**LK-13** · 12th April 07, 12:03 AM

I'm not looking for legal advice, just what others have experienced.

**SoldierSpike** · 12th April 07, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

This subject was discussed about a year ago.

Please note the following from the policies of the forum.

The X Marks the Scot Kilt Forum is not a trained or licensed medical or legal facility. Nor is it staffed by persons trained in medical treatment or in matters of the law. Please do not submit posts seeking or offering advice in these matters, as this forum is not a professional environment that lends itself to this type of exchange. Posts containing these topics and/or comments will be deleted.

I suggest you take this question to your local Police Station, Office of the RCMP or to a Lawyer.

I'm not trying to be difficult. Just prudent. I asked the RCMP and got a very good answer.

Asking law enforcement about things like this can be a bad idea, at least in the USA, because many LEOs have varying opinions which don't always reflect the law. The era in which they went through training is also an issue, as the political clime can cause the course of instruction to focus on certain elements and neglect others, simply because they are not "popular" subjects at the time. I've asked several different LEOs about firearm related subjects and gotten widely varied, and in some cases, contradictory responses. My advice would be ask a lawyer, or even research the law on your own, you might be surprised at all the various loopholes and such that are in there.

Marc

**nixphotography** · 12th April 07, 06:56 AM

I don't see this thread lasting very long.

But heres a small experience, I came into Canada about 2 years age to (forgive the spelling) the Goniquea area and the Kingston area. I had a pocket knife that I brought in an declared but only got my car searched and nothing more. Hope this helps.

**auld argonian** · 12th April 07, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by nixphotography

I don't see this thread lasting very long.

...yeah, I'm with you on that concept...

But while it lasts, a search on this topic will turn up a lot of discussion...it's old ground that's been trod upon many times.

My opinion: use yer haid...I, for example, do not wander around Chicago with a sghian in my sock...I know the culture and it would be asking for trouble from the local constabulary and a whole lot of other people. Festivals and Celtic events are another matter but I'd be keeping it under wraps on the way there and putting it in its place when I get there. I think that folks get the "I'm proud of my heritage" thing when they see you in the kilt...the sghian is secondary and if it's going to be misunderstood and cause friction, it can be tucked away and put in its proper place at the appropriate time.

Best

AA

**JimB** · 12th April 07, 07:11 AM

I don't know about Canada specifically, but in my opinion most of the western world does not like weapons in public. (Weapons being defined by the observer, and not necessarily by you...) I could get away carrying my sgian for dress or special occasions because I can claim that it's just part of the whole outfit and that's when I wear it.
However, I'm not ready for all of the crap I might get for just wearing it to Wally Mart so I don't.

**Sylvain** · 12th April 07, 07:20 AM

Is there any religious obligation for Scots or kilt-wearers to wear a sgian dubh? Sikhs have one. And the Sikh affair was about wearing it at school, where a rule forbade any knife. So don't mix up problems.