Correct wearing of Sgian Dubh

**DWFII** · 12th May 08, 04:49 PM

What's the right length of a sgian dhu? I am looking at one with a stag horn handle and it measured about 8" overall. Is that too long?

**mbhandy** · 12th May 08, 07:42 PM

DWFII PM Joe Gondek he makes a great stag horn sock knife.

MrBill

**McMurdo** · 12th May 08, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by DWFII

What's the right length of a sgian dhu? I am looking at one with a stag horn handle and it measured about 8" overall. Is that too long?

I think anywhere from 7"-8" should be fine it all depends on your preference.

**James MacMillan** · 12th May 08, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by DWFII

What's the right length of a sgian dhu? I am looking at one with a stag horn handle and it measured about 8" overall. Is that too long?

I think so. The longest sgian that I have that is comfortable to wear is 6 3/4" - but a big guy could get away with longer.

**jordanjm** · 13th May 08, 04:54 AM

Sometimes you can find a beautiful high quality knife, which is not a Sgian Dubh, for less, and use that for a Sgian Dubh. Just make sure it is the right size.

**DWFII** · 13th May 08, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

I think so. The longest sgian that I have that is comfortable to wear is 6 3/4" - but a big guy could get away with longer.

That's kind of what I thought. And I'm only five foot eight going on five six. If the over all length were 6.75" to 7" how much of that should be blade and how much handle?

**McMurdo** · 13th May 08, 05:32 AM

Originally Posted by DWFII

That's kind of what I thought. And I'm only five foot eight going on five six. If the over all length were 6.75" to 7" how much of that should be blade and how much handle?

The blade should be approx. 3".

**James MacMillan** · 13th May 08, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by DWFII

That's kind of what I thought. And I'm only five foot eight going on five six. If the over all length were 6.75" to 7" how much of that should be blade and how much handle?

My longest blade is 4 1/4" and the shortest blade is 3 1/4" - The blades that Atlanta Cutlery sells are 3 1/2" Rabs blades are also 3 1/2" Another custom blade that I can't for the life of me remember who forged it is 3 3/4"

**Galb** · 13th May 08, 07:11 AM

I see a lot of sgians that are made form stag horn. I think these look nice. Would they be considered ok with formal wear? USA Kilts has one made from Stag for only $50. I eye it every time I am on that site. Perhaps I need to purchase that and that Saltire Belt Buckle...

**James MacMillan** · 13th May 08, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

I see a lot of sgians that are made form stag horn. I think these look nice. Would they be considered ok with formal wear?

Probably not, at least by the purest, but I took a stag horn handle and added a gem stone on top (see ..here..) and I have worn it several times to formal affairs.

A good rule of thumb for formal times is to wear the best you have.