Sgian dubhs and Dress Codes

[OC Richard]

In Traditional Highland Dress, Is it expected or optional to wear the sgian dubh in your hose or boot? Would you be considered Improperly dressed without it?

If we're talking the modern Traditional Civilian Highland Dress which has come down to us, which became rigidly systematized in the early 20th century, yes, it's common to wear a sgian, a horn one for Outdoor Dress/Day Dress and a black one with silver fittings for Evening Dress.

Historically speaking, such a knife isn't seen in 18th century portraits, as best I can recall, and isn't universal in the Victorian period.

In the military they've long been worn by officers as one of their symbols of rank, and by pipers.

I rarely wear one.

Thing is, the first time I saw a piper in person, when I was a teenager, one of the things that I noticed was his sgian. And, when I used to go out to schools and various places to do piping performances the kids were always fascinated by my sgian. That was years ago. For many years now schools (and many other venues) have a "zero tolerance" policy with weapons, so when doing piping performances the sgian should be left at home.

I do have a fancy military style kit, and when I wear that (not often) I wear sgian and dirk. I have a sword too- haven't worn that in many years.