Sgian dhu II

[Mike S]

I'm not going to let you guys off the hook yet, can a sgian be white?

http://cgi.ebay.com/DAGGER-DAMASCUS-...ayphotohosting

That is what is known as a "coffin handle" boot knife. It has a nifty, 19th century style grip and fittings (although the orignal 19C. versions were usually much larger daggar or bowie sized knives) etc. but has two strikes against it if you wanted to use it as a Sgian:

One, the size is just a wee bit too small. Although it is double edged, it's blade is little bigger than what Blackpowder shooters would call a patch knife.

Second, as discussed above, it is indeed a double edged "stabbing" knife unlike most modern Sgian Dhus.

To answer your original question, although it tangles with the term Dhu (so does a stag handled Sgian for that matter, and some debate that the term dhu (or more properly dubh) in this case meant to secret or hide, rather than the color black (same with "Black" Watch), I would have no problems at all wearing an appropriate Sgian with that pattern grip/handle, in fact since I make blades myself you've given me some ideals!