A question on a sgian dubh

[aonghas]

I will make a sgian dubh from a blade supplied by Rab Gordon using a stag antler as a handle.
I was wondering would this be acceptable for black tie evening?
Some say that the "black" aspect is in the colour of the handle, others that it is in the "dark" hidden intent??
Can someone help me.

[Dale Seago]

My understanding is that stag antler or brown wood has become traditional for day wear, while black wood is the evening version.

[Grizzly]

I would agree with Dale, however, unless it was a very high brow event I doubt that anyone would care or even notice.

Most formal wear sgians are black with white metal embellishments and possibly a coloured stone set in the pommel but if I had made my own I would rather wear that than any fancy frippery.

[MNlad]

While I haven't tried it, I know you can darken antler with wood stain. A dark stain might make it more appropriate for a black tie event. Or, you could accent it with a bit of ebony next to the blade and as a cap.

As for me, if I took the time to make my own sgian (which I have), I'd wear it with pride and If anyone asks why, I'd explain I wanted something personal, not just another clone.

[Dale Seago]

. . .but if I had made my own I would rather wear that than any fancy frippery.

As for me, if I took the time to make my own sgian (which I have), I'd wear it with pride and If anyone asks why, I'd explain I wanted something personal, not just another clone.

***.

Each.

So, +2!

[ThistleDown]

Black tie is black tie, though, and as we have often read in other threads there are definite rules that apply no matter our own preferences.