Has carrying a sgian dubh ever caused anyone problems?

**Monkey@Arms** · 21st June 07, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Don Patrick

Jake,

Some depending on how they are set up are for scaling fish, others for stabilizing your thumb, then even others for sawing light metal. Couldn't resist that - it's the knife collector in me I guess. Sorry.

Well this is my fault for going off topic. You are correct, of course, that that grooves on the spines of blades can serve many purposes. Most sgians I've seen have file marks. Here's an example of a lovely Rab Gordon, like Robin was talking about.

Just curious, have you ever seen a functional fish scaler on a sgian dubh?

Best regards,

Jake

**oldsoldier** · 21st June 07, 05:00 PM

Funny this topic came up, as I was discussing this with my pipe instructor this evening.
He commented on my tattoo on my calf (A celtic cross), and said that a buddy of his, in the black watch, had a tat of a sgian dubh on the outside of his calf. Apparently, a few years back the black watch took all the sgian dubhs from the pipers (he didnt say why). So, they all went out & got tats of either a sgian dubh, or one of the thistle.
Didnt mean to hijack, just thought it a neat story.

**Robin** · 21st June 07, 05:02 PM

My sgian dubh

bit off topic maybe

**Don Patrick** · 21st June 07, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

Well this is my fault for going off topic. You are correct, of course, that that grooves on the spines of blades can serve many purposes. Most sgians I've seen have file marks. Here's an example of a lovely Rab Gordon, like Robin was talking about.

Just curious, have you ever seen a fuctional fish scaler on a sgian dubh?

Best regards,

Jake

Have to admit I haven't. Never owned a dirk. Maybe it's time. Of course my Dad wouldn't have cared, he used the oddest types of knives to scale fish.

...and you are right I guess this is off topic - I'll quit.

**Don Patrick** · 21st June 07, 05:07 PM

Jake, Robin,

Both look like nice blades. Maybe it's time I added to my collection. I must admit Jake your blade appears to be very special is it Damacus?

**Bob C** · 21st June 07, 05:12 PM

I've never had a problem, but I have chosen not to wear it to a few places.

Use some common sense and you'll be fine. I tell people a sgian dubh is a pocket knife for guys without pockets.

**Monkey@Arms** · 21st June 07, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Don Patrick

Jake, Robin,

Both look like nice blades. Maybe it's time I added to my collection. I must admit Jake your blade appears to be very special is it Damacus?

Ach, I'd love to have a lovely damascus knife like that one, but alas, no, it's not mine. The picture is from Rab's website. Well worth a visit.

Best regards,

Jake

**Don Patrick** · 21st June 07, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

Ach, I'd love to have a lovely damascus knife like that one, but alas, no, it's not mine. The picture is from Rab's Well worth a visit.

Best regards,

Jake

They can be hard to come by. A lost art for a few centuries. I bought my first in 1989 - very expensive.

Back to the string. I agree with what was said earlier. Know the laws and adjust from there. Since box cutters have reached such fame, even pen knifes may not be acceptable in some places. I know, I had a very small pen knive removed from my briefcase at the Brazos County Courthouse in Texas. I was lucky I got it back. The blade couldn't have been any longer than one inch. 9/11 has cost us more than we realized.

**sirdaniel1975** · 21st June 07, 05:37 PM

Well, I say if you really want one, purchase it for special occasions.
ex. Burns suppers, Highland Games, etc.. you get the idea.

It is very easy to find "safety/imitation" sgian dubh's made of either plastic or wood, if you feel like you must wear one.

Today, it's common sense to avoid carrying blades at/to airports, schools, courthouse's, etc..

"safety/imitation sgian dubh's", :

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/blackknife.html

http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co...ubh-p-265.html

http://www.leathersporran.co.uk/Sgia...Sgian-Dubh.htm

http://www.morrison-sporrans.co.uk/s...20Dubh%20-%206

**Don Patrick** · 21st June 07, 05:48 PM

Robin, I see your new blade image. I find it hard to believe all of these special Damascus blades abound. Special blades indeed.

Back to the string. I know it should be common sense, but I guess I have no defense. I have so many knives around me, I forget and end up with some minor problems. I've been caught at airports twice in the past three years. Maybe I'll smarten up some day.