Are you complete without a Sgian Dubh?

[The Wizard of BC]

I would caution anyone seeking advice about the "Proper", "Traditional" or "Correct" way or occasion for the Sgain Dubh or Dagger to remember that all this stuff was invented during the romance period. Roughly the 1800's.
It was court wear among the ex-Pat Scots who were dressing to impress each other. It has very little to do with what farmers in the NW of Scotland were actually wearing.

We have no real evidence of what Highlanders or anyone else wearing the Kilt would or would not have worn, or how.

Myth built upon myth is now passed about as fact.

The Military Units of the period were beginning to standardize uniforms during that same time and that is where we get many of the ideas of "Proper". But again, that is a Military Uniform and not what a common man wears.

The best advice anyone can give is pay attention more to the situation and not the "rules".

[Riverkilt]

I'm with Panache on this. I think it has more to do with the situation you're attending than it does with the level of dress.

For me, wearing a sgian dubh to a high school prom would be inappropriate, even though the prom is a formal affair. Wearing it in a parade would be appropriate.

Whatever the example, the final decision depends on the occasion/venue/who's there and why than formal/informal.

For me, its expendable when need be.

Ron

[Jack Daw]

My understanding is that the black knife was carried concealed, but it was and is rude to carry a concealed weapon in a friend's house or other peaceful circumstance, so the sgian dhu was pulled out and worn visible. So having a sgian dhu (or don't) visible is a sign of peaceful intention. Since I always carry a blade primarily as a tool, i routinely carry a sgian dhu, it's just the most convenient way to carry with no pockets. Except it goes in checked luggage when I am flying, just before I check it, and comes out right after I pick the luggage up. It's not a weapon, just when and where I grew up, only wusses didn't carry a pocket knife

Geoff Withnell

I was born in Memphis and grew up in Texas. It was standard attire to have a pocket knife in a trouser pocket. My father and grandfather carried them always. I'd feel naked without one and am uncomfortable sometimes on a plane because of it.

BTW, I meant to write 'oxter', not 'ochter'.

[The Vicar]

Thank you all for you assistance.

You folks have been very helpful.

V

[Draelore]

I never wear one solely because police around here are notorious for harassing people, and I'm not willing to take the chance. I don't carry a sgian dubh, but I am licensed to carry my sgian taurus

Does the sqian taurus come with a thistle on the handle?

[Carolina Kiltman]

I have never completely bought into the idea that the Sgian dubh was a "weapon of last resort". From the very shape of it, it looks more like a utility knife one would carry for a variety of uses.

Also remember that until the industrial revolution, cutlery was very expensive, and when a guest arrived, it was usually expected that the guest would furnish his own.

I feel that at a formal occasion, it is necessary, just part of the "traditional" dress. At other times, as the occasion demands. Just wear it far enough down into the hose so it can't fall out!

[Larry124]

The world we live in these days is… well, stuff happens.

A few years ago an (unkilted) friend of mine was caught up in a bar fight. He wasn’t even one of the principals. He just got swept into the free-for-all.

When the police searched him and found his pocket knife they added a concealed weapon charge to the disorderly conduct charge. That little extra got him suspended without pay from his employment.

He got it all sorted out eventually after some considerable time and expense.

I’m not saying anything about the right or wrong of it, I’m just saying that you have to think twice (or thrice) these days.

[JRB]

The world we live in these days is… well, stuff happens.

A few years ago an (unkilted) friend of mine was caught up in a bar fight. He wasn’t even one of the principals. He just got swept into the free-for-all.

When the police searched him and found his pocket knife they added a concealed weapon charge to the disorderly conduct charge. That little extra got him suspended without pay from his employment.

He got it all sorted out eventually after some considerable time and expense.

...

That is why I never ever wear, carry or possess a knife or anything else that could even remotely be considered a weapon when I go out on the town (i.e. to a bar/club, etc). Definitely circumstances should have a bearing on anyone's decision to wear a sgian dubh.

[kennethrmc]

Hiya V

I'm clergy and I've thought a bit about this. I agree with J that your conscience ultimately matters much more than anyone else's view of "right" on the issue. That being said, I will wear one to Scots heritage events (fests/ dinners/ parades) but not when I'm kilted at church gatherings or services. I'm sure one could shoot all sorts of holes in that sort of a "situational" approach, but again, conscience is what counts and this feels right for me.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

In my entire life I have never met a single kilted member of the Scottish clergy, of ANY denomination, who was not wearing a sgian dubh. The circumstances of the meetings have been as varied as the Royal Enclosure at the Braemar Games, a banquet at Edinburgh Castle, and a funeral service in a private chapel near Nemphlar, in Lanarkshire. In that part of the world the wearing of the sgian dubh seems to be a non-issue.