John, I am afraid I have to agree with Alex. Back in 2000 I was flying from Aberdeen to Gatwick when, after going through all the security (such as it was back then), I was called back because someone noticed my Sgian Dubh. On close inspection the blade was found to be 3/4" too long for me to wear on the plane. It was confiscated for the flight, travelled in the cockpit (or so I was told) and was returned to me on my arrival at Gatwick.

Although I do wear a faux Sgian, more often than a bladed one now, I have never since then flown with anything tucked in my hose. My Sgian and kilt pin are always packed in my checked-in luggage, and I expect to have to remove my sporran and belt when passing through the security arch - but they have always been handed back to me immediately after they have been through the X-ray machine.

I am, of course, sorry to hear that you lost your faux Sgian, and I hear what you are saying, but I always tell myself that these guys are only putting us through these added security measures for our own safety. I do not object to them at all. My policy is to co-operate in good humour and I invariably find I am treated similarly in return.

As others have stated: I guess we must be thankfull that it was not an expensive, genuine Sgian that you forfeited.

Take care,
Ham.