Carrying a Sgian Dubh

[Colin]

I have never worn a dirk, but i have worn a sgian dubh around a number of times and have never had any problems.

[The Supreme Canuck]

And I'm sure I could do the same. I still don't want to break a law by doing so, though. Call me stubborn.

[The Wizard of BC]

I just got off the phone with my RCMP contact.

The "Unofficial" Official word is that any knife may be carried if: (1) it is not concealed. (2) it is not taken into a secure or sensitive area. An airport, or courtroom for example.

To the RCMP, a knife in a sock is treated the same as any other sheath knife carried on a belt. Something to be aware of when questioning a suspect but otherwise of no importance.
My contact stated "A guy in a kilt with a knife in his sock would not be a reason to stop, question, or otherwise suspect him of any infringment of any statute I know of". "He may however be asked where he purchased it so the officer may buy one for himself."

As this statment comes from a serving RCMP officer it would apply Canada wide. Your local municipality may have another statute but my contact does not know of any that do.

The referanced case of the Sikh knife....it's a Human Rights issue having to do with a knife carried into a school. The kid was 12. Not yet an adult authorized to have it in the first place. But is claiming religious freedom.

[Moosehead]

As an addition to Steve's comments, as it is partially visible, it is not considered "concealed". Also, there are no length limitations on blades in Canada. I've seen many guys, not kilted mind, walking around in the Maritimes with 12" belt knives. No questions asked.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Awesome. Thanks, both of you.

The Wizard of BC (Steve?): The word of a mountie is good enough for me. Thanks for calling.

Moosehead: I wasn't sure what concealed meant. Didn't know if it had to be entirely obscured. Oh, and the lack of a length restriction seems to take care of dirks as well. Thanks.

[davedove]

I don't know about in Canada, but here in the States carrying around a blade the length of a dirk would probably have some of the police keeping an eye on you, even if it is legal. It would depend on the circumstances.

[The Supreme Canuck]

davedove: Of course. But I wouldn't mind the attention: I'm not going to break any laws, so let them look. Besides, it's not like the dirk would be worn regularly or to places that it shouldn't.

An Addendum to the addendum.

The Officer I spoke to also added a note of "Concealed".

A "pocket knife" in your pocket is not concealed. It's where it's supposed to be and readily discovered during cursory search. A knife in your sock that has slipped down and no longer visible is still not concealed. A knife on your belt but not visible due to a loose fitting sweater is not concealed.

A knife strapped to your thigh under your kilt is concealed and falls under applicable weapons statutes.

That makes sense. I suppose there needs to be an intention to conceal the weapon for it to be concealed.

[The Wizard of BC]

An Addendum to the addendum.

The Officer I spoke to also added a note of "Concealed".

A "pocket knife" in your pocket is not concealed. It's where it's supposed to be and readily discovered during cursory search. A knife in your sock that has slipped down and no longer visible is still not concealed. A knife on your belt but not visible due to a loose fitting sweater is not concealed.

A knife strapped to your thigh under your kilt is concealed and falls under applicable weapons statutes.