Sgian dubhs and Dress Codes

[Geoff Withnell]

While the sgian is optional, I have always carried one. In fact, I got my first knife at 9 and carried it to school, as did all my other friends and nobody ever got stabbed - we had better sense. Not a good idea to try that these days.

A sgian as constituted these days is not a weapon, just an ornament. Mine are sharp and can be and have been used when a knife was needed but I think most folks who wear the kilt never think about their use as a knife. I always get a little tickled when, in Rob Roy, Alan MacDonald reaches for his sgian when Guthrie confronts Rob in the pub. What would he do with a tiny knife against a guy wielding a broad sword? Nobody carried them in their hose in the early 17th c. either.

I have never had any problems carrying my sgians anywhere but it is always wise to check out local rules before doing so.

Back in the dark ages (1950's) when I was growing up, a boy started carrying a knife when he passed the Scout knife safety course. Typically, his dad would give him a small "Swiss Army" style pocket knife, or something similar. Been carrying a pocket knife ever since. To me, a sgian is a pocket knife for a man without pockets. Sure, it could be used as a weapon, but that's not its purpose, anymore than the ballpoint pen in my shirt pocket or my belt buckle are weapons, though they could be used as such. And unless I am someplace where carrying would be an issue, I carry a sgian with a real blade. And if I don't carry a sgian with a blade, I just don't bother. I don't see the point to a "sgian brew", I don't drink enough beer to need to have an opener about my person.