Sgian dhu, or no sgian dhu.....that is the question

[freep]

Like most, depends on where I'm going, what I'm doing and the environment in which I'm doing it. I have a wee half a**ed ranch and have use for a both a knife substantial size (say 4"+) on a daily basis a well as a leatherman. I feel kind of nekkid if I don't have them.

I'm not used to a sock knife either but with my great kilt it's a valid choice.
I agree about leatherman tools as well, to the point I've considered building a sheath for a leatherman sgain dhu--the ultimate in tradition if you consider the tradition was to have the most useful tool in your sock.

As to actual tradition, I'm half inclined to think the sock knife was a decoy to draw attention from the six or eight other knives tucked into armpits, waist bands, sleeves, under clubbed hair and whatnot.

[figheadair]

As to actual tradition, I'm half inclined to think the sock knife was a decoy to draw attention from the six or eight other knives tucked into armpits, waist bands, sleeves, under clubbed hair and whatnot.

To put this in perspetive, there is no evidence of a tradition of the hose worn sgian dubh before the early 1800s.

[Downunder Kilt]

And seeing we are now having photos of knives, perhaps the Op can request that the thread be moved to the appropriate section of the forum. cheers.

[Father Bill]

Yes, this should live in the "weapons" section in the first place.

Moving.

Father Bill for the Forum Moderators.

[freep]

To put this in perspetive, there is no evidence of a tradition of the hose worn sgian dubh before the early 1800s.

I kind of suspected that as well. Given it's suggestive name, it's not a particularly well hidden knife in that position, nor is it very accessible in a hurry. Looks like it could very well be yet another Victorian affectation. I suspect the dirk with the knife and fork on it falls into the same category. All this of course without having done any research to speak of at all.

[tpa]

As long as your garter is tight enough and the sgian dubh is tight in its sheath there is little risk of losing it. I have worn one on semi formal and formal occasions, including dances, for over 30 years without any problem. (SWMBO is quick to draw attention to its absence if I omit it, often demanding its inclusion when I deem it not essential.) It is not there for just for decoration though it gets used regularly when worn. When dressed casually for walking or working around the house I prefer a pocket knife clipped to my belt or in a sporran and it never ceases to amaze me how often it gets used each day.

[Michael Weatherhead]

I meant Sgian dhub. Sorry for the misspelling. I've given up on the idea of getting one. I might buy a cool dagger, however. Or just carry a sheath knife, that I have. Bone handle, in a leather sheath. We'll see.

[Michael Weatherhead]

Freep, you gave me a good idea, upon seeing your knife. I have a this small Puma brand sheath knife:puma knife.jpg I guess I could try it, in my sock, see what happens. The next one is an old Western Cutlery knife: knife.jpg. I think I'll wear it this weekend, on my belt, at the games. (it's not bone handled. I forgot, I don't have that one any more).

[Dughlas mor]

Actually, Michael, I think you meant Sgian Dubh. That little Puma knife would make an OK sgian, but if you want to dedicate it for that purpose, you may want to cut the belt loop off of the sheath, or make another for wearing in the hose top.

[freep]

Freep, you gave me a good idea, upon seeing your knife. I have a this small Puma brand sheath knife:puma knife.jpg I guess I could try it, in my sock, see what happens. The next one is an old Western Cutlery knife: knife.jpg. I think I'll wear it this weekend, on my belt, at the games. (it's not bone handled. I forgot, I don't have that one any more).

They might get all excited by the belt knife and make you leave it in the car. I'd pass on that one. T'other would do as a sock knife depending on size. 6-8" overall for that. I'd think.