To dirk or not to dirk?

[David Thorpe]

I don't wear a sgian dubh, either for the very same reasoning (kilts as part of functional dress rather than costume).

I can recall any number of instances where my sgian dubh came in very handy. (as in Tobus' example). It is not the least bit "costumy", but rather a common element of THCD. I can also think of many other parts of THCD which could hardly be considered "functional dress". No matter. Wear one or don't.

[TheOfficialBren]

Tobus and David Thorpe,
Perhaps I jumped the proverbial gun on that one. I PERSONALLY do not find myself kilted in situations where a sgian dubh is necessary but others do. I never carry a pocket knife, either, though, as my daily routine doesn't require one. If I need to cut sonething I either go into my kitchen or use my shears in my office.

Different strikes for different folks.

[Deirachel]

Tobus and David Thorpe,
I PERSONALLY do not find myself kilted in situations where a sgian dubh is necessary but others do. I never carry a pocket knife, either, though, as my daily routine doesn't require one.

This is the key for that debate. The gentlemen who carries a pocket knife in Saxon dress finds the sgian dubh as the appropriate replacement in Highland dress. The gentlemen who does not carry a pocket knife is inclined to see the sgian dubh as a peice of the costume (in either denotation or connotation).

Back to the topic of dirks, CMcG has the right of it. If you were attending the event in question, would you be carrying a large knife of non-Highland variety? If not, then why would you wear one in Highland dress? The only time I ever wore my dirk was as best man, and I will at my daughter's wedding, which is the only exception to this rule for me. Here, it is a symbol of the role being played in a older, more traditional way. (The Best man's duty was to protect the Bridegroom as he would be unarmed and/or exposed to attack during the ceremony. A father's duty is to protect his family.)

[Skiballa]

Here's another question I'd like to pose to the rabble. If attending a formal affair where veterans are expected to wear medals (miniature or otherwise) on their lapel, would a dress dirk be a reasonable addition?

[Jock Scot]

Here's another question I'd like to pose to the rabble. If attending a formal affair where veterans are expected to wear medals (miniature or otherwise) on their lapel, would a dress dirk be a reasonable addition?

No.

[tripleblessed]

As with most things, context is relevant. Where I grew up, big knives were common. Every boy had at least one knife and some sort of hunting equipment by their ninth birthday. We all survived. Warped, possibly, but here. There, I would not get one raised eyebrow about having a dirk on a belt. A kilt, on the other hand, would create a firestorm of derision. As would the typical placement of a dirk, we having learned it's way easier on the outside of the hip. All that said, I don't own one. Having one, I would think long and hard about context before strapping it on. Although I did meet a chiropractor in New York City who never went anywhere without his 56" custom forged claymore, which he flew to Scotland to have made. Never an issue with police, but many an odd look, including my own.

[Skiballa]

No.

Well that's clear enough, very well, thank you sir!

[ctbuchanan]

I will take a bit of the other side on this one as I often do it seems. I fully agree that when wearing the kilt in most civilian applications - out for a night on the down, formally for a wedding etc I would never wear a dirk (and when in New York City I avoid the sgian dubh as well just out of prudence).
My exception is participation in Highland Games / Scottish Festivals here in America. As a convener of a Clan tent I feel that we are part of the "theater" of the games and I always wear my dirk. As most of you have seen from my casual approach to highland wear at the games I am not a particularly 'costume' oriented guy. But I do feel that having the dirk shows another aspect of Highland wear for those who come to explore their heritage. I am probably not explaining this well, but you will see those who 'work' the games here with a variety of Scottish themed accessories; sticks, staffs, dirks, sgian dhu, etc. and for the most part I think that the people who attend the games enjoy seeing them. But at a pub for a pint or a dram? Never.
I have attached a photo so you can judge for yourselves. Perhaps I am a lemon, but there it is.

[David Thorpe]

Here's another question I'd like to pose to the rabble. If attending a formal affair where veterans are expected to wear medals (miniature or otherwise) on their lapel, would a dress dirk be a reasonable addition?

There is no connection between the two - mini-medals and dirks. The situations calling for either might conceivably overlap, but are totally different.
Jock was much more efficient and succinct.

[Chas]

This is the key for that debate. The gentlemen who carries a pocket knife in Saxon dress finds the sgian dubh as the appropriate replacement in Highland dress. The gentlemen who does not carry a pocket knife is inclined to see the sgian dubh as a peice of the costume (in either denotation or connotation).

When trousered I carry a Swiss Army knife. When kilted, this is my favourite sgian dubh.

It is a catalogue picture, but mine is the same.



Regards

Chas