Too Traditional?

[CMcG]

...
Another factor about sticks is simply the manner in which they are carried. Those of us who use them often carry them as an extension of ourselves in our stride and when standing. It is easy to spot the fellow that is carrying one just because he thinks it is a fashion accessory. There is a lack of ease about the way they handle them that screams affectation.

This makes a lot of sense to me. If one is in the habit of using a stick and/or staff (kilted or not), then it will appear more natural because they will be USING it, instead of CARRYING it around to POSE with it. It might take quite a few Highland Games to achieve this level of familiarity if one only brings their stick out to a few such events every year.

I've seen comments now and then that one has to wear a sgian dubh to wear the kilt traditionally, or that someone doesn't feel fully dressed with out one. For some reason, I don't seem to be able to understand this.

Do you all really notice if someone is not wearing a sgian dubh?

I'm glad you brought this up because it ties in with what I just wrote about a walking stick or staff. There is almost always a knife of some sort on my person, so I feel a little odd without one. When I put on a kilt, I trade my pocket knife for a sgian dubh.

Being a kilt wearer, I usually check out what the other kilties are wearing. I would indeed notice if someone wasn't wearing a sgian dubh, but don't consider it essential to a traditional look. And I'd rather someone not carry one, than stick a useless sgian don't (looks like a knife in a sheath but has no blade) in their hose. Sgian brews and the ilk are OK because at least they have a purpose.

[creagdhubh]

I'm a young lad that uses a cromach at Highland games, gatherings and rallies, but I agree that part of it, in the aforementioned context, is for show and why not?


A few of my various cromachs and sticks.


Cheers,

[Dale Seago]

Do you all really notice if someone is not wearing a sgian dubh?

I do. As well as what may be in or near the hands, on the belt, asymmetric bulges under clothing, the possibilities of satchels/purses/briefcases, etc.

Professional habit.

[CMcG]

Er, I can try Jamie. Any chance of reminding me which one? I lost quite a few pictures a while ago, but if you can give me a clue it would be handy, if I can't find THE one, I might find another for you.

It still shows up as a tiny image in a Google image search, but Photobucket says it has been moved or deleted. From what I can see of it, you're wearing red hose, clan tartan kilt, a brown jacket, 3 tassel black leather day sporran, and a Balmoral bonnet. Both hands resting on the cromach as you stand on a hill/mountain covered in brown grass.

[CMcG]

I'm a young lad that uses a cromach at Highland games, gatherings and rallies, but I agree that part of it, in the aforementioned context, is for show and why not?

That is a very good question

[Bugbear]

I do. As well as what may be in or near the hands, on the belt, asymmetric bulges under clothing, the possibilities of satchels/purses/briefcases, etc.

Professional habit.

I'm sorry, Dale, I should have been clearer in my question. Do you notice, and think it looks untraditional or wrong if not wearing one.

[Panache]

Er, I can try Jamie. Any chance of reminding me which one? I lost quite a few pictures a while ago, but if you can give me a clue it would be handy, if I can't find THE one, I might find another for you.

Jock,

Gosh I'm afraid I don't remember! It was before my hiatus from XMTS. The subject was staff height and you were helping me get mine just right. You posted a photo of you leaning on your cromach illustrating the exact right height and way a highland gent leman leans on his stick as he watches the world go by. As I have gotten older this pose is coming more and more naturally (this may be also a product of how much heavy yard work and pas de basque setting steps I have been doing as of late! )

Cheers

Jamie

[Father Bill]

You know, when my back or hip hurts, I use a stick. Whether I'm wearing a kilt isn't the deciding factor.

[Panache]

Being a kilt wearer, I usually check out what the other kilties are wearing. I would indeed notice if someone wasn't wearing a sgian dubh, but don't consider it essential to a traditional look. And I'd rather someone not carry one, than stick a useless sgian don't (looks like a knife in the sock but has no blade) in their hose. Sgian brews and the ilk are OK because at least they have a purpose.

CMcG,

In my experience the people that notice the sgian dubh most are those that are either unfamiliar with highland attire ("what is that in your sock?") or have a passing familiarity with highland attire ("hey is that your dirk in your sock?") In gatherings with other kilted gentlemen the only people interested in sgian dubhs are either other X Markers or knife enthusiasts. Most others really don't notice or care. It is kind of like the white hose thing. To a small group it really matters, while for most They could care less and don't notice it.

I like knives and always carry one, but I wear sgian dubhs less and less for everyday wear.


Cheers

Jamie

[Jock Scot]

It still shows up as a tiny image in a Google image search, but Photo-bucket says it has been moved or deleted. From what I can see of it, you're wearing red hose, clan tartan kilt, a brown jacket, 3 tassel black leather day sporran, and a Balmoral bonnet. Both hands resting on the cromach as you stand on a hill/mountain covered in brown grass.

Yes I had a few technical problems with Photo-bucket and I lost a few pictures. They were wonderfully patient and they did get me up and running again, but------.

I think I know the picture you mean and I will endeavour to find it on one of those memory stick things. Tally Ho!