Armpit Sgian Dubh?

[Kamilavalamp]

I read that sometimes celtic warriors would keep their Sgian Dubh under their armpit. Is this true? If it is, how did they keep them there and how would they get them out in a pinch since this sgian dubhs are a last ditch weapon?

[Taskr]

There many ways in which to carry items under your armpit. The practice does not imply that the item is concealed and thus difficult to access. I've had two-way radio harnesses for the purpose, for example. Here's an interesting little piece on the item from wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sgian-dubh

[Dughlas mor]

Try the search function using the term "sgian achlais." You should find a few threads on the "armpit knife." It was generally a bit larger than a modern sgian, carried in a sheath that had a spring clip that would attach to the arm hole of the waistcoat, or vest. With a jacket worn over the waistcoat, one would have a concealed utility knife that could be used as a weapon of last resort.

[Bruce Scott]

From Waverey by Sir Walter Scott, 1814:

'Skene-occle! what’s that?' Callum unbuttoned his coat, raised his left arm, and, with an emphatic nod, pointed to the hilt of a small dirk, snugly deposited under it, in the lining of his jacket.

[Luke MacGillie]

IMG_1640_zps8740ddc5.jpg

Made by Glen McClain

[IsaacW]

Made by Glen McClain

Uh Oh... MacGillie has arrived.