Hey Matt Newsome!

[gmcdavid]

I'd really rather have a blade that will hold a useful edge than something merely decorative. How do these blades stack up as using knives?

I have the same concern about sgian dhus. This is nothing new--Thompson complained about the edge on most sgian dubhs in So You're Going to Wear the Kilt.

I won't wear one that is not functional--I'd rather do without (and carry a pocket knife in my sporran). Fortunately, I have two that I bought years ago from a Chicagoland knife dealer (don't recall the name). No fancy hilts, but the blades are OK.

Glenn

[An t-Ileach]

The quality of steel in tools, in particular blades, is a sore point with me.

Saddlers seem to spend an inordinate amout of time at house clearing auctions, and the like, looking for old tools (pre-WWI) because the steel is just so much better.

I even travel to a tool-maker in France to buy saddlery tools because his blades take and hold a sharp edge. Japanese tools at the moment are the best; British are rubbish, as are German. I get my round knives from the Amish in Ohio.

I wonder why this is?

Oh, and my sgian dhubh is an old one bought in the '50s - it takes a reasonable edge. I also keep a small sgian-phòcaid (pocket knife) with me; folding, locking, stainless steel blade.

[Alan H]

I keep a stainless steel rigging knife in my sporran all the time. They're reasonably fuctional, and the steel is ok. I also have a leatherman, but it's just too heavy.

The sgian dubh is just something that I have a hard time getting my head into. I dunno why.

[bubba]

Due to the law I simply can't carry a sgian dubh around here. Maximum blade length allowed is 3 inches and fixed blades are a no no. Has to be a folder.

[Jerry]

Due to the law I simply can't carry a sgian dubh around here. Maximum blade length allowed is 3 inches and fixed blades are a no no. Has to be a folder.

Man I'm glad I live in an area which isn't that restrictive. The only restrictions here are that I can't carry a concealed knife (or gun), but I can carry either in the open and can carry a concealed gun if I get a permit for it.

[PaulS]

This is a good link to find out whether, when, or how carrying a sgian dubh (or any fixed-blade knife) is legal in your State. Remember, some States allow local governments to pass more restrictive laws, so it is always a good idea to research all of the pertinent laws before carrying a knife of any kind. This is a good place to start:

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm

[yoippari]

Ask around at swordforum.com. I know I have said it before but there are some really good smiths over there that can make just about any kind of sgian dubh you can want. Of particular note is Jake Powning. Do a search look at his work, prepare to spend money.

[Fearnest]

Whoops! I stand corrected and delete my (well-intentioned but disallowed) post! Thanks!!!

[Mike1]

Posts and/or threads containing topics not related to kilts or topics deemed questionable by the forum staff may be deleted, without cause. This includes but is not limited to threads concerning kilt accessories used as weapons or used to carry weapons, what is worn under the kilt, the "is a kilt a skirt?" issue, the gender of those wearing kilts, National pride issues, etc...

Fearnest, let me suggest that you take a few minutes to read the FAQ/Forum Policies page.

We allow discussion of historical weapons, but when discussion turns to the use of modern weapons, the discussion is headed for the bin.