Sgian Dubh question

[Mule]

Ah, finally something I can relate to...
This is something of a mindset that needs to be addressed by each wearer IMO. I agree with Dale S. on his points.

My personal feelings;
Knives are a tool, what you do with it is up to you. I carry a spring assisted lock blade pocket knife every day. I use it multiple times a day and do feel naked with out it in place. It clips to the pocket so it is visible, is under the CO law's 3.5" requirement and is razor sharp. If I were wearing a kilt with hose, I would have to carry it in my sporran. I do consider it a close range weapon should I have a need for it. In fact, a knife attack is the only thing I really fear (other than shotgun). I too am trained in self defense (Krav Maga) and have other higher force tools.
I have a personal belief that any knife is a weapon and should be looked at as one. If it's visible in public - as should be, criminals (Coyotes), mindless sheep and general public sheep will most likely see it the same way. I treat every day as a possible situation day, which is not a bad thing these days. So, decorations that give the illusion of real tools are not wise to me. When I carry my Sgain Dubh, it is a weapon and will be treated as such. I believe a person needs to be aware of this mentally and be OK with that feeling. Such as someone carrying for the first time at level 0 with a concealed pistol. It is the same thing in my mind! I have seen training videos of people dying in less than 3 minutes from a 3" knife stab in the neck. But I digress, sorry...
Bottom line, if it's legal in your state, town ect, I say carry it for the tool it is and be aware of it and people around you. MacMillan's son couldn't have said it much better. And if you plan to partake of some good Whiskey, leave it at home or locked in your friend's car like any other weapon. Judges, alcohol and weapons don't mix.

[CDNSushi]

I treat every day as a possible situation day, which is not a bad thing these days.

Such as someone carrying for the first time at level 0 with a concealed pistol. It is the same thing in my mind! I have seen training videos of people dying in less than 3 minutes from a 3" knife stab in the neck.

Err.... Wow! Didn't think that the U.S. was such a dangerous country yet, where you wake up every morning in fear of getting stabbed or shot!

[Tobus]

Err.... Wow! Didn't think that the U.S. was such a dangerous country yet, where you wake up every morning in fear of getting stabbed or shot!

Surely you are aware that the entire country is not homogenous? In some places, people never have to worry about such things. In others, it is an everyday concern. Depends on where you live, what areas you need to travel through or work in, etc.

And crime can happen anywhere, at any time, regardless of where you are. Some of us carry deadly weapons (legally, and with state permits) all the time because they are tools just like anything else. I carry a spare tire, jack, and lugnut wrench in my vehicle, even though I don't anticipate getting a flat tire. But if it happens, I have the tools to handle it. I also have a fire extinguisher in my home. Not because I expect my house to catch on fire on any given day, but because if it happens, I'll be prepared.

An article of defense is no different. The only difference is in your mind. People spring to the idea that one is "paranoid" or "fearful" if they carry a simple tool for defense. And that is not so. If you choose not to (or are unable to legally) carry such a tool, that's fine. It's your choice. But there's no reason to be melodramatic about those who do, as I feel you were doing in your post.

To those of us who do carry real tools of defense, a sgian dubh is no big deal. I'm always a bit surprised that people make it such a big deal, as if carrying a tiny blade in one's sock is akin to walking around with a weapon of mass destruction.

*edited to add:

As usual, I have re-read my post and found that it seems more belligerent than I intended. Hope you don't think I'm trying to start a heated argument; I'm not. I was just trying to point out that carrying a weapon has nothing to do with being fearful of being stabbed or shot on a daily basis. For me, I'm actually more likely to use my defensive weapons to humanely kill a deer after hitting it with my car than for actual defense, since I seem to hit a lot of deer on the highway every year.

Also, I don't want to hijack the thread into a discussion of concealed weapons or self-defense. I hope it doesn't go that direction. But a sgian dubh is really nothing to be concerned about for a lot of folks. I've never had anyone be taken aback at it, nor have I ever felt it should be left at home when I'm going to be around children or anything. I guess I just live in a different environment than some folks do, where a wee knife doesn't cause any alarm.

[CDNSushi]

But there's no reason to be melodramatic about those who do, as I feel you were doing in your post.

Me? Melodramatic? By pointing out Mule's comments concerning getting stabbed and shot? Really?

To you it may seem pretty normal, but the image that America is a very violent country is exceedingly common here in Japan. I don't necessarily believe that, and no, I personally do NOT think the U.S. is homogenous, but that's tough to explain around these parts. That's why, when Mule expressed his sentiments so strongly and explicitly, I reacted.

You'd be shocked to know how many of my students have expressed that they don't ever want to go to visit the U.S. because they believe it's "too dangerous." (Again, not MY words)... I try to tell them that I've traveled all over the U.S. and that it's more or less a safe enough place... But for many, it's still a tough sell.

As Robbie Burns once said: O wad some Power the giftie gie us to see oursels as ithers see us!

[Mule]

Sorry for the hijack and sorry, I didn't mean to promote the violent US feeling. We are like most countries in that we have areas where people need to be on the watch. But, people still need to be aware of their surroundings no matter where they are. It's a self preservation idea. I have traveled out of country a few times and expect people to be capable of violence no matter where I go.


Just to clarify my intent to the OP. IMO The Sgain Dubh is a tool that can be used in a violent situation for defense. If carried, one just needs to be aware of it's potential uses other than a darn fine addition to our outfits. And, one I forgot. If some nit-whit tries to grab it out of your stocking, a proper knee to the jaw would be most appropriate and rewarding.