Sgian Dubh or just a good ol' knife?

[Avonlea22]

I would love to carry a practical sgian dhu, but they're considered concealed weapons in Michigan

Do any of you know how to find out if sgian dhu is considered a concealed weapon in any particular state? I'm more concerned with North Carolina, where I'll be moving to, but also the surrounding states where I may travel to.

[bikercelt1]

I'm a bit confused on how a knife openly carried in the top of a sock can be a concealed weapon and a folding knife hidden in your pocket is not. I have a variety of different knive that I carry in my sock, some shaped like a traditional sgian dubh some are small scale hunters, some are shapened and some are just ornamental. Which knife I carry depends on the circumstances and whether I'm likely to get myself into trouble or not.

Jamie

[Kiltedmusiclover]

I would love to carry a practical sgian dhu, but they're considered concealed weapons in Michigan

Do any of you know how to find out if sgian dhu is considered a concealed weapon in any particular state? I'm more concerned with North Carolina, where I'll be moving to, but also the surrounding states where I may travel to.

You can carry a knife with up to a 6 inch blade on your person concealed. A sgian dhu is perfectly legal in NC.

[Doc Hudson]

No offense intended to Nelso, but there is only one way to be certain.

Call the Attorney General's Office, record the call if possible. Ask what constitutes a concealed weapon, then ask about legal knife carry. Then ask the person with whom you talk to send you a copy of the relevant laws, and an official opinion, e-mail is OK, but snail mail with a signature from an official in the AG's office is even better.

If there are any grey areas in the law, make a copy of what the AG's office sends you and keep it in your wallet to show to Barney Fife when he tries to steal your $300.00 knife.

I've done this several times when traveling. Always makes me feel better to know what is or isn't legal when it comes to packing iron in a strange place.

[Avonlea22]

You can carry a knife with up to a 6 inch blade on your person concealed. A sgian dhu is perfectly legal in NC.

I tried doing a little research. This is what I've found so far:

14-269. Carrying concealed weapons. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person, except when on his own premises, willfully and intentionally to carry concealed about his person any bowie knife, dirk, dagger... razor... or other deadly weapon of like kind. This section does not apply to an ordinary pocket knife carried in a closed position.

As used in this section, "ordinary pocket knife" means a small knife, designed for carrying in a pocket or purse, which has its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by its handle, and that may not be opened by a throwing, explosive, or spring action...

(b1) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: ... (2) The defendant was engaged in, or on the way to or from, an activity in which he legitimately used the weapon...

"Knife about 4-1/2 inches in overall length which, when
folded, was clearly designed for carrying in a pocket or
purse, was an 'ordinary pocketknife' as defined by this
section." (1989)

sorry for hijacking the topic. I guess I should start a new topic on this.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

That point about the folding knife being okay is exactly why I wear the Celtic Cross knife. Even the hard-nosed cops in Philadelphia told me that it was perfectly okay to have since it was carried in the closed position. Whew!

Besides that, the chances that I'll "shave" my leg while dancing is pretty unlikely.

[Freelander Sporrano]

I'd just like to say I love those knives Doc. Really nice.

There is a picture in my gallery with what you can do with a standard Sgian Dhu. It was done by my mate Sten Rune.


As for carrying I've had no problems here in Norway as knives are an accepted part of the male national costume here

[highlander_Daz]

I scotland its not permissable to carry a bladed weapon and new legislation will sooon be passed to make the penalties for knife carrying much stricter, the legistlation will exempt the Sgian Dubh as part of out national costume, however in England it would be an offence to carry a Sgian Dubh , safety Sgian Dubh's are available (no blade) for cross border jaunts !! most firearms are illegal too in scotland as a result of the Dunblane massacre. the Sgian Dubh is purely cerimonial, and skihs are also allowed to carry a curved knife as part of national dress, however im not comfortable walked around "armed" so I rarely wear mine except for weddings and only if the groom is wearing one. I prefer the clamore but it is very awkward tring to slip one into ones sock!!

[al' Sporrano]

, the legistlation will exempt the Sgian Dubh as part of out national costume, however in England it would be an offence to carry a Sgian Dubh ,

As a police officer down here on Tyneside, I can confirm you're absolutely right. However, I wouldn't be so mean as to arrest a kilted guy for possession of a Sgian Dubh - circumstances must dictate and we are allowed to use discretion.

Safety Sgian Dubh's are available (no blade) for cross border jaunts !! skihs are also allowed to carry a curved knife as part of national dress, however im not comfortable walked around "armed" so I rarely wear mine except for weddings and only if the groom is wearing one. I prefer the clamore but it is very awkward tring to slip one into ones sock!!

You could argue that if its Ok for others to wear knives for religeous/cultural reasons then its ok for Scotlands national dress. I agree though that if walking through Glasgow town centre on a Friday night it would be best to leave the knife at home. Wore mine in Inverness though!!!

Al

[highlander_Daz]

our British Bobbies are the best in the World !!

Walking through Glasgae on a Saturday night you need More that a Sgian Dubh !! especially on an old firm weekend!! (like this week) the weegie neds are armed to the teeth normally, bring back the Claymore !!