Sgian Dubh

[James]

Certainly not a false one.

I always wear a skean dhu when out and about here in London, and no one has commented or complained.

Sometimes it is necessary to support our freedoms-after all what about thr Sikhs-they carry a dagger at all times.

James

[bubba]

I don't wear one. The law on knives here is very specific. A blade can't be more than 3 inches and it can't be a fixed blade, it must be a folding knife. It's enforced.

[Kilted Taper]

Give me a week, and I'll show you my solution. ;-)

[Zardoz]

"In the Netherlands it's illegal to cary anything bigger as a very small pocket knife without a license. "

"The law on knives here is very specific. A blade can't be more than 3 inches and it can't be a fixed blade, it must be a folding knife. It's enforced."

No offense guys, but I am so thankfull I live in Texas! I carry the black knife in my sock all the time, I've never had it mentioned at bars or anywhere, most folks can't get past the whole kilt thing to notice! Truth be told, as a serious tool the average skean dhu has limited defensive, and almost no practical applications. It was originally a 'hideout' weapon of last resort, so it's not much of a knife for other than sticking stuff. I carry a Kershaw auto folder in the sporran if I need a blade.

[Bob C]

I've never had any trouble with it. The blade is really no longer than that of most pocket knives.

Check your local laws.

[highlander_Daz]

Strictly speaking it is a bladed weapon and Illegal.

In Scotland it is legal when worn as part of a Highland outfit (and as long as you dont stab or threaten anyone)

[GlassMan]

I bought a safety sgian dubh at first because I'm a very non-violent person. But I'm seriously considering getting a bladed one just because of the convenience factor of not having to go look for something sharp every time I need one (for non-violent purposes of course).

[kiltimabar]

I've never had any trouble with it. The blade is really no longer than that of most pocket knives.

Check your local laws.

Checking the laws won't usually help. They are usually purposely vague and non-specific when it comes to objective criteria like blade lengths and the meaning of "concealed." Mostly it comes down to an attitude check on the part of the cop as to your intent in carrying the knife--in the case of a complete Highland outfit on Burns Nicht, this probably would work to your advantage and you'd be ok. The same sgean dubh stuck in the top of a combat boot worn in a rowdy bar with a black workman UK might be looked at differently. If the cop felt like it, based on the totality of the circumstances, you'll be having your defense counsel check on the case law for similar situations in your state.

The Marines always say "It all depends on the terrain and the situation."

[Derek]

Calmac .. I always wear mine and have never had a problem. In fact, the time before last when we went to London to meet Hamish I was speaking to 2 Transport police at the station as they commented on my Cilt and they could clearly see I had my sgian dubh in my sock and they made no mention about it at all. I'm not saying its legal to wear it, I don't know, but as I say I have never had a problem and will continue to wear it.
Iechyd Da
Derek