Sgian Dubh Outside the Hose?

[Cygnus]

Phil posted this picture in another thread and, to keep from derailing that thread, I thought I'd ask a question about it in this new thread.


I noticed that the fellow on the left in the castellated hose is wearing his sgian dubh under his garter but outside the hose.

Is this a traditional way of wearing it? I'd be worried that it would fall out, but I have to admit that I rather like the way it looks (only with castellated hose, of course).

[creagdhubh]

Wow! I have never seen or heard of this before. Obviously, to most observers, this looks extremely out of place and unusual. I am also curious if someone knows more about this manner of wearing a sgian dhubh.

Cordially,

[Dale Seago]

Is this a traditional way of wearing it? I'd be worried that it would fall out. . .

It makes perfect sense as a further development in the Highland Dress trend of turning what were once utilitarian tools into mere pieces of masculine bling.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I suspect it's just a mistake, rather like some of the mistakes that appear in Rolls-Royce adverts of the period, and appear in many fashion adverts of the '20s - '30s- '40s, during what many consider to be the "golden age" of illustration.

[azwildcat96]

Never noticed this before either...But, I like the idea under the right circumstances. It certainly makes it possible to show off more than the top two thirds of the handle, especially if there is a nice sheath on the sgian dubh.

[artificer]

I spotted that in the earlier thread as well. Weird, and, I'd say quite impractical. I'd be worrying the whole time about losing it.

My guess is that MoR has the right of it. It's probably a mistake in illustration.

[bigdad1]

As MoR pointed out it is probably an illustration mistake. Probably a case of someone who was not familiar with kilted wear putting together a drawing.

[azwildcat96]

As MoR pointed out it is probably an illustration mistake. Probably a case of someone who was not familiar with kilted wear putting together a drawing.

Sounds like a challenge...Anyone else know of another portrait or photo with a similar look?

[Cygnus]

A mistake... or an attempt to sell more sgians dubh?

The world may never know.

[The Wizard of BC]

I had a customer come into the shop with an antique Sgain that had a spring clip on the outside of the sheath. The Clan Crest was mounted on the clip. Exactly like the one shown here.

I was wondering what the clip was for. I had thought that it would clip to the top of the hose but this makes it perfectly clear.

Sadly I did not take a photo.