Dirk

[flyv65]

In fact, it's the point that does the damage with a stabbing weapon such as a dirk. But for some reason, that doesn't seem to register with the usual guards. Ceremonial weapons have been worn for a very long time; they are, in effect, male costume jewelry. Court swords, for example.

Indeed, common sense seems to be in short supply sometimes where "security" is an issue. I was once told by TSA personnel that my clan badge (on my balmoral) was a weapon due to the pin, but they politely waved me through ignoring the 10-inch tapered aluminium chopsticks in my briefcase. I once had a drone call over a supervisor because they were unsure whether or not I should be allowed past with a laser pointer in my posession.

Be that as it may, I'm talking about flying and the concern some of you have posted is for public events such as a Burns' supper: in truth, I've never been to a restaurant, pub, or celtic function of any kind where I was questioned about my knife (or knives as the case my be).

Bryan...maybe things are just a little more easy-going here in the Rockies... :grin:

[Bob C]

Has anyone tried flying with a dirk and/or sgian dubh in your checked luggage? Obviously, they could not be in your carry-on, but I wonder about a checked bag.

I'll have occasion to travel, with my formal kilt outfit, next year. I didn't see anything prohibiting blades on the airline website, but I'd sure hate to have them seized and go through all the accompanying crap.

[GlassMan]

You should go to the TSA website at Homeland Security. They have the complete and most accurate list of items that are prohibited in carry-ons and also in checked baggage. That way you can at least print it out and show them proof it is allowed.

[flyv65]

I've checked fixed bladed tantos with no problem before, but to echo Glassman, hit the TSA website, and print out a copy of the pertinent parts for travel.

Bryan...just in case, ya know...

[switchblade5984]

heh it helps with a US military id

but let us know on the fixed blade thing

[macwilkin]

Cheap as it is, I don't want it confiscated when I wear it to Burns Night.

Will -- what venue would prohibit dirks, etc. at a Burns Night? No one has ever said anything to us at the local hotel where we have ours, and we usually have several dirks, broadswords for the Haggis escort, and of course, a fair amout of sgain dubhs.

Cheers,

Todd

[prattw]

Will -- what venue would prohibit dirks, etc. at a Burns Night? No one has ever said anything to us at the local hotel where we have ours, and we usually have several dirks, broadswords for the Haggis escort, and of course, a fair amout of sgain dubhs.

Todd,

The organization holding the Burns Night, unlikely. But here in Las Vegas, for instance, the St. Andrews Society holds our Burns Night in a restaurant or club (The Italian-American Club, of all things, last year and this.) Some such venues have guards for such functions and they are apt to get nervous about an eleven inch blade. Blades being used in an obvious ceremony are generally exempt, but blades carried by attendees might not be.

A lot depends upon the individual guard. This June I had a guard at a public library branch ask about my sgian dhu at the entry station for a highland dance competition. (I was a spectator, not a dancer.) A brief history of the sguin dhu, discussion of the relative recency of usable folding blades, and the sgian dhu's historic function as a general small working knife defused the situation. Had it been a dirk, I think I'd have been locking it back in the van, if it hadn't been taken with instructions on where I could pick it up.

(Personally I only wear my dirk to renfaire and at formal functions or when occasionally serving in a color guard.)

Will