Sgian Dubh

[James]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[GlassMan]

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.

That's the one. Seems convenient to have bottle opening utensils on hand!

But I also wonder how think it must be compared to a normal one.

[prattw]

With regards to the "Officer's" sgean dhu with small tools folding out of the handle, I have seen them offered. The blurb I've seen said they were based upon a style worn during the First World War.

As to the utility of the sgean dhu, I think it depends upon the particular knife. My own is made of pretty fair stainless steel. It's not the equal of a modern knife steel, but as good as most ordinary 19th century knives. It works fine for anything you'd use a spear-point utility knife for. I keep mine sharpened (it holds an edge moderately well, though it's not great that way) and I've used it to cut cardboard when fashioning a slotted box for filled-in forms at the highland games, for making a fuzz stick to light off the barby at same (my wife doesn't like to use charcoal lighter, she's a purist about outdoor cooking), cutting lengths of line, and many similar tasks. It's no better than a folder of equal size would be, really not quite as good, but it does the job and that's one less thing I have to cram into my sporran or clip to my belt. And I'm going to be carrying the sgian dhu anyway. ISTR that Matt Newsome has mentioned using his as a box cutter.

Will Pratt

[billmcc]

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.

Here is a link for one of these knifes:
http://kiltstore.net/sr_gaeli_the_of...e=highlandwear

[highlander_Daz]

Glassman said
"have you ever seen the sgian dubhs that have additional tools hidden in the handle"??

that will be a swiss army Sgian Dubh, now availabe on the royal mile!!
(apologies to anyone who hasnt been along the royal mile- the rest of you know what I mean) JK

[mbhandy]

Here is a link for one of these knifes:
http://kiltstore.net/sr_gaeli_the_of...e=highlandwear

Now Im not sure but I belive the bottle opener is also a tin opener?
In war more important than a Glass of beer?

MrBill