Too Traditional?

[CMcG]

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Another factor about sticks is simply the manner in which they are carried. Those of us who use them often carry them as an extension of ourselves in our stride and when standing. It is easy to spot the fellow that is carrying one just because he thinks it is a fashion accessory. There is a lack of ease about the way they handle them that screams affectation.

This makes a lot of sense to me. If one is in the habit of using a stick and/or staff (kilted or not), then it will appear more natural because they will be USING it, instead of CARRYING it around to POSE with it. It might take quite a few Highland Games to achieve this level of familiarity if one only brings their stick out to a few such events every year.

I've seen comments now and then that one has to wear a sgian dubh to wear the kilt traditionally, or that someone doesn't feel fully dressed with out one. For some reason, I don't seem to be able to understand this.

Do you all really notice if someone is not wearing a sgian dubh?

I'm glad you brought this up because it ties in with what I just wrote about a walking stick or staff. There is almost always a knife of some sort on my person, so I feel a little odd without one. When I put on a kilt, I trade my pocket knife for a sgian dubh.

Being a kilt wearer, I usually check out what the other kilties are wearing. I would indeed notice if someone wasn't wearing a sgian dubh, but don't consider it essential to a traditional look. And I'd rather someone not carry one, than stick a useless sgian don't (looks like a knife in a sheath but has no blade) in their hose. Sgian brews and the ilk are OK because at least they have a purpose.