Quote Originally Posted by Kilted Carver View Post
The problem in the States is its illegal, unless you have a concealed weapons permit ( if the blade is over 3 inches, if I'm wrong someone please clarify)
There is no nation wide prohibition on the wearing or carrying of knives in the United States. Those states in which legislation has been enacted generally restrict carrying in "public places", and are purposefully vague as to what may, or may not be carried, or transported, through "public places". The intent of these laws is to allow the police to detain or arrest individuals who are in breech of the peace, if they are found to have on their person a "knife or other such tool" (like a sharpened screwdriver) which could be used for offensive purposes.

Generally speaking, if you park your car in a public car park, get out, walk to a hotel (or church, etc.) to attend a "Scottish function" (a tartan ball or a wedding, etc.) the cops are not going to bother you.

The question of concealment would only arise if the sgian dubh was hidden from plain sight (ie: in a pocket or sporran). If visible when the wearer is viewed from the front or back, then the sgian dubh is not concealed (this is the same standard applied to handguns in virtually all jurisdictions where a permit is required for concealed carry).

Those who carry knives with clips, and who clip them to the inside of the apron of their kilt, are concealing the knife and my be in violation of local ordinance and subject to being detained or arrested. The same holds true for "Buck knives" carried in a holster or pouch worn on the belt in many jurisdictions.

What it comes down to is this: If you are peacefully going about your lawful activities, the police will probably not give you a second glance.

All of the above refers to the "traditional" sgian dubh, not the fantasy knives some folks stick down their socks in a display of macho nonsense. It also refers to someone who is more or less "traditionally attired" in a kilt.

If you are dressed in 18 hole Docs and a black quasi-kilt, and showing any "attituded" (and it's the cops who determine if you are showing attitude, not you) then you can possibly expect to be hassled over your sgian dubh, especially if you are in a public place (pub, rock concert, etc.) -- consider it part of the price you pay to display your "counter culturalism" in mainstream society.