Sgian Dubh

[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

[billmcc]

that will be a swiss army Sgian Dubh, now availabe on the royal mile!!

Daz,

How much is a swiss army Sgian Dubh selling for on the Royal Mile?

[kilted_selkie]

i've got a book here that has a photo of "an uncommon sgian dubh"

"picked up at a campsite where highland soldiers assembled for an embarkation to the boer war,"

it has a corkscrew and a bottle opener as well as some other tools that are undefinable, and the silver mounts are hallmarked for 1874,

hope that helps anyone with some research if they are interested.

[macwilkin]

i've got a book here that has a photo of "an uncommon sgian dubh"

"picked up at a campsite where highland soldiers assembled for an embarkation to the boer war,"

it has a corkscrew and a bottle opener as well as some other tools that are undefinable, and the silver mounts are hallmarked for 1874,

hope that helps anyone with some research if they are interested.

What's the source? Title, author, publication information? Remember, you're talking to a librarian here! ;)

It does confirm my theory about the South African War and the Swiss Army knife.

Todd

[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