Dirk Hilt.jpgDirk Tip.jpg

So every now and then I go on ebay and look for used bagpiping items and this showed up on the search. I had never seen one before although I have since learned they are worn by military pipers in full dress. In any event, it looked interesting and since the opening bid didn't seem high, I thought I would go ahead and bid. Turned out that I won! Yay, I think.

So this piper's dirk came in the mail today. I was struck by how big it was. The seller showed a tape measure next to the dirk but it must not have registered until I saw the package in my mailbox. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be wearing this thing while piping. It looks kind of cumbersome and potentially injurious!

The hilt seems to be made of wood with brass studs. The scabbard seems to be wood covered in a sort of suede. The brass fittings are in a thistle design with a St. Andrews Figure and Cross. But what I can't get over is the little knife and fork that came with it. So I'm curious what the story is behind having this knife and fork sheathed in with the dirk. I realize this is ceremonial but sometimes the ceremonial item had a functional aspect at some point in the distant past.

Cheers!
Mark