Sgian/Pride

[Schultz]

He said that because it has been more than 200 years since anybody in my family was born in Scotland means that I'm more American than Scottish.

If this is the case, then since you're "just" an American, a native of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, you're "free" to wear whatever you want and are "brave" enough to do so.

That usually shuts these types of arguments down, at least with me.

As for the sgian dubh, I generally don't wear mine in the hose at all except at formal functions.

I might have it elsewhere on my person, though...

[Bill]

Excellent reply! My people have been here since the 18th century and possibly the 17th but the blood is still there and I'm still proud of my ancestry. Ye can tak the Scot oot of Scotland but ye cannae tak Scotland oot o' the Scot!

Understandably I think some have gotten paranoid about "weapons" and sometimes let it get the better of them, when questioned about the sgain dubh I cheerfully explain the meanig of it as you did, sometimes they get it sometimes they don't. I do tend to be careful about where I wear it, for instance I'm not quite comfortable wearing the sgain dubh to church.

Slainte'

Bill

[Panache]

I thought your response was polite and appropriate.

However you wrote:

My college has a "no weapons" policy that I wholeheartedly agree with, but I don't think of my sgian dubh as a weapon. But anyways, soebody asked me why I wear it. I told him because it is traditional, a sign of friendship.

You wear the sgian dubh out of respect for your heritage. Out of respect to your school I recommend getting a false sgian dubh (or a sgian brew, or a sgian don't.) Then you can honor both heritage and your school policy.

I find that there are many occassions where wearing a comb or bottle cap openner is more respectful of the law/rules while allowing me a traditional look. Unless you draw your blade on a regular basis. No one will ever know. Unless they ask, and then you can set their minds at ease.

Cheers

[beloitpiper]

I thought your response was polite and appropriate.

However you wrote:

My college has a "no weapons" policy that I wholeheartedly agree with, but I don't think of my sgian dubh as a weapon. But anyways, soebody asked me why I wear it. I told him because it is traditional, a sign of friendship.

You wear the sgian dubh out of respect for your heritage. Out of respect to your school I recommend getting a false sgian dubh (or a sgian brew, or a sgian don't.) Then you can honor both heritage and your school policy.

I find that there are many occassion s where wearing a comb or bottle cap openner is more respectful of the law/rules while allowing me a traditional look. Unless you draw your blade on a regular basis. No one will ever know. Unless they ask, and then you can set their minds at ease.

Cheers

I've worn my kilt 2-3 times a week since August, everytime with a sgian dubh. If they don't approve of it, I'm sure somebody would've let me know.

And to the rest of you: I'm hoping to get a sgian brew for Christmas. I've always wanted one, but haven't had the money to get a real nice one (i.e. one of Rab Gordon's). I'm pretty sure it would be more useful than the sgain dubh...especially in college!!!

[Panache]

I've worn my kilt 2-3 times a week since August, everytime with a sgian dubh. If they don't approve of it, I'm sure somebody would've let me know.

Just because someone hasn't noticed it doesn't make it any less against the rules. Much like driving in the Carpool lane by yourself when the Highway patrol isn't around. Just because you can get away with it doesn't make it OK. You have chosen to ignore a particular rule that you wholeheartedly agree that other people should follow. It's something to think about.

And to the rest of you: I'm hoping to get a sgian brew for Christmas. I've always wanted one, but haven't had the money to get a real nice one (i.e. one of Rab Gordon's). I'm pretty sure it would be more useful than the sgain dubh...especially in college!!!

Wait till you have had a lovely lady reaching her hand slowly down your leg to
borrow your bottle openner! Highly recommended

Cheers

[Joe Gondek]

I always carry my sgain dubh when kilted
just as my pocket knife is a part of me when I wear pants.
A knife is just handy to have with you and I generally put it to use several times a day.

[Caradoc]

As for the sgian dubh, I generally don't wear mine in the hose at all except at formal functions.

I might have it elsewhere on my person, though...

Same here. Except that there's no "might" about it.

In any circumstance that I can legally carry a blade, I do. Usually that'd be my Gerber Multi-lock.

As to beloitpiper's original post, I'm aware that some people consider their sgian to be equivalent to "jewelry." I don't.

Therefore, when I've done presentations and the like on school grounds, I always ask permission to bring the sharp toys, and if that's denied I ask if I might bring them if they're "peace-bonded." That means they're tied into their sheaths or scabbards in such a fashion that it takes a bit of doing to get them out again.

That's hard to do with a sgian dubh. If you absolutely must have something in your sock, and you can't carry a knife for legal reasons, why not a sgian brew or a comb, as some have mentioned?

[Riverkilt]

Ya done well lad,

Many's the man who's surprised they can choose their garments from more than what their local habadasher offers.

Ron