About dirks and civilians

[Dale Seago]

The question to the rabble is how common is it for a person to carry a dirk as part of day wear? And does anyone know any place one could pick up a non-formal style dirk?

I think the first question has been pretty well addressed, especially if by day wear you mean something like the way I'm dressed in the 3rd photo in my post above.

As for the second, though, if by non-formal you want something both historic-looking and functional, you're pretty much limited to something bespoke. Not entirely, but mostly. Most of the "production" dirks out there are either poor quality steel, have poorly heat-treated blades if the steel is otherwise decent, and on most the grip area between the top of the haunches and the point where the pommel begins to flare out is WAY too long.

kultofathena.com has already been mentioned as a source. One from them I'd be willing to take a chance on is this brass-handled one, which is actually pretty close in looks to a couple of historic brass-handled ones I've seen:

http://www.kultofathena.com/images%5C2212_l.jpg

Note that on the description it says "Edge: Moderately Sharp". That could be because, even if the Indian or Pakistani smith forged it from decent quality steel (a car leaf-spring for example) for the purpose, it may not have been heat treated well and may therefore never be capable of acquiring more than a "moderately sharp" edge.

For not too big a price bite, I'd certainly take a chance on this one:

http://www.forgedintime.com/handmade.../scottish-dirk

While it looks double edged, it's not (some dirks were, most weren't), though it does have a 4-inch false edge.

Or going the bespoke route, you might try contacting some outfit like Old Dominion Forge (specializing in 1700s-style blades) and see what they could do for you. Check out the pics on their main page:

http://www.olddominionforge.com/

(Warning: You may want to put a towel over your keyboard first, to keep it from shorting out from the drool.)

[David Thorpe]

I did a bit of Google image searching and found a few pics of people wearing daywear dirks.

I am relatively certain that I could do a Google image search and eventually find photos of people wearing scrunched purple socks with orange flashes and tennis shoes with flashing LEDs. That doesn't make it proper TCHD.

[CMcG]

I am relatively certain that I could do a Google image search and eventually find photos of people wearing scrunched purple socks with orange flashes and tennis shoes with flashing LEDs. That doesn't make it proper TCHD.

I never said it was THCD.

The OP asked about dirks and daywear after expressing his interest in reenactment i.e. historical styles, so I found some pictures to help him out. I also said they are very rare. What's the problem?

[Sir Didymous]

Well, since my goal in posting is to make sure that I am at least giving an attempt to honor THCD, I will probably stick with my sgian dubh (a nice little hand made number from a local reenactment shop that deals with individual craftsmen). I'm making a bone handled dagger for my early 1600's kit that is based on a dudgeon dagger, but I will be adding a dirk to my early 1700's style kit though. The brass one that Dale posted the image of is one I have wanted for a long time. Getting into Highland reenactment finally gives me the excuse to buy it. It's from ritter steel and I've bought some of their swords. The swords took quite a beating in my group's live steel fights and held up for years. If their dirk is anything like them, it's well worth the price. Allof their stuff comes with a factory edge, but they will take and hold a good edge if you take the time to give them one.

[CMcG]

Well, since my goal in posting is to make sure that I am at least giving an attempt to honor THCD, I will probably stick with my sgian dubh

Well, that clears that up. If THCD is want you want, leave the dirk at home.

[David Thorpe]

I never said it was THCD.

The OP asked about dirks and daywear after expressing his interest in reenactment i.e. historical styles, so I found some pictures to help him out. I also said they are very rare. What's the problem?

No problem. My point was that just because there is an image of it on the internet does not necessarily make it correct, proper or appropriate.

[Jack Daw]

In Texas, unless you are wearing one at the Renaissance festival, period wear for a parade, out hunting, or on private property, it's against the law to wear a dirk (or a Bowie knife), as the blade is too large.

[CMcG]

No problem. My point was that just because there is an image of it on the internet does not necessarily make it correct, proper or appropriate.

In light of the OP's re-clarified intentions, I see your point, but I didn't post those images and try to say they were "correct." He asked how common daywear dirks are and I said very rare, but I found some pics to show that they are at least found more than hen's teeth or rocking horse poop. I also prefaced the first two pics by saying that they were on parade or at a Highland Games, rather than just doing more mundane, daily activities.

THCD is not the only perspective under discussion, however, and for historical reenactment, images from the internet could be quite helpful, so the other, more numerous, images I posted were historical or reenactment. Granted, if someone wants an accurate portrayal of a specific time period, they will need more information. On the other hand, a Ren Faire approach doesn't require that and picture would good enough...

[David Thorpe]

Understood, Colin, and no worries. In another thread, Sir D showed some difficulty in distinguishing TCHD from reenactment costume. That was another motivation for my post. TCHD is a complex subject for a person newly exposed to it, and there are many pitfalls which they depend on people here to help them avoid.

[CMcG]

Understood, Colin, and no worries. In another thread, Sir D showed some difficulty in distinguishing TCHD from reenactment costume. That was another motivation for my post.

Ah, I see. Good of you to clarify for him

TCHD is a complex subject for a person newly exposed to it, and there are many pitfalls which they depend on people here to help them avoid.

True that! One might even say it is a complex subject for any person to approach through acculturation, rather than being immersed in it from birth.