Sgian Dubh

**kiltimabar** · 16th January 06, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 17th January 06, 12:33 AM

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

**James** · 17th January 06, 12:51 AM

It is too easy to forget that the kilt is the attire of the highlander, and what differentiates it from the dress of myriad schoolgirls here in the UK, is the way it is worn.

For it is the wear of proud clansmen, to be worn with a strut and a swagger-and if I may be so bold-with attitude.

The skean dhu is a reminder to the wearer and any observer that they are seeing a real man-a clansman.

Forget that and join the ranks of the little girl dancers, the wearers of a costume, or those with other motives entirely.

There might be rare occasions such as when on a plane when it might be necessary to consign it to the baggage for the duration of the flight: on all other occasions it should be worn.

Whilst for such things as fake skean dhu's: there is only one place, and that is the dustbin.

James

**Rab Gordon** · 17th January 06, 02:55 AM

From my understanding, just about anything can be considered an offensive weapon, from a bunch of keys to a brick. It comes down to context and whether you have good reason to have an item on you. A Sgian Dubh worn with the Kilt is considered a good reason but not in heightened security areas.
I normally wear one of my Sgian Dubh bottle openers on non-formal or evening occasions anyway.

Rab
(Sgian Dubh maker)
http://www.rainnea.com/safety-sgian-dubhs

**kiltedjaz** · 17th January 06, 06:02 AM

If you are in any doubt as to the legallity of a Sgian Dubh...check with your local police. They will give you sensible advice and they are, obviously, aware of national laws and also any local bye-laws.
When I lived in Dorset the police told me it was OK to wear it as long as it was part of 'the outfit'. It was not considered to be an offensive weapon. I now live in Kent and Kent Constabulary say the same.

Jim

**James** · 17th January 06, 06:27 AM

Skean Dhu with eating utensils: I have seen a very ornate dirk with what appeared to be small utensils mounted on the outside of the scabbard.

Could this be what is being thought about?

James

**davedove** · 17th January 06, 06:29 AM

What they are talking about is the sgian dubh, often marketed as the Officer's Sgian Dubh, that has a corkscrew and I think a bottle opener that folds out, like a Swiss Army knife.

**calmac** · 18th January 06, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by kiltedjaz

If you are in any doubt as to the legallity of a Sgian Dubh...check with your local police. They will give you sensible advice and they are, obviously, aware of national laws and also any local bye-laws.
When I lived in Dorset the police told me it was OK to wear it as long as it was part of 'the outfit'. It was not considered to be an offensive weapon. I now live in Kent and Kent Constabulary say the same.

Jim

I don't think I will bother with my local police - North Wales Police - they do you for doing 31 in a 30mph zone. They would probably throw you inside for anything that they could possibly link to being offensive.

Thanks for all your comments, I will buy a real one and wear it with pride.

Patrick

**Nick** · 18th January 06, 09:59 AM

A bladesmith friend of mine has made sgean dhus that are smaller than the average, so they're short enough to be legal in places where length is the only consideration. I'm thinking of making my own, but I'm also going to make a good wooden safety sgean, because I've already been called once on wearing a real one.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 17th January 06, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Rab Gordon

...Rab (Sgian Dubh maker)
http://www.rainnea.com/safety-sgian-dubhs

Rab, just checked out your link and those are fantastic. I would say that I have much more use for a bottle opener sgian dubh that for a knife.

And as for the legality and perceptions, somebody said it well that people usually are so focused on the kilt that the accessories are missed. Until I started wearing a kilt, I would never have noticed something sticking out of somebody's hose, and even if I did I would not have known what it was. I would expect the same would hold true for most law enforcement officers on this side of the pond.