Has carrying a sgian dubh ever caused anyone problems?

[Streetcar]

In Seattle, Washington, it's illegal to carry a blade of more than 3 inches (but you can easily get a permit to carry a handgun.. go figure). I had a police officer tell me I need to leave it at home or be arrested next time he saw me with it. I feel it's a silly law since there is no law about carrying pens, pencils, forks, or anything else that can be used as a stabbing weapon.

Point of clarification here: Washington law does not specifically prohibit carrying a fix-bladed knife. However, carrying a knife with a blade length in excess of 3" during the commision of a crime can augment a sentence.

Seattle Municipal code, however, prohibits the carrying of any fixed bladed knife, regardless of length.

However, I'm seriously suprised a Seattle Officer challenged you about the knife. Officers have a fair amount of discretion here...

[James MacMillan]

Strong feelings are coming out here. And I have some of my own.

I'm an old geezer. When I was growing up, every kid had a pocket knife. It was usually a Boker or Boy Scout folder. We used them for everything, short of stabbing the teacher. It was part of the uniform of my youth. I would never have felt fully dressed, without a pocket knife in my pocket.

I still feel this way, it's just that now, I don't have any pockets.

The only time in recent memory that I can remember being without a piece of steel was the time from the airline check-in counter - to picking up my bags. I did not have a knife close to hand, but a fountain pen, can be deadly, if you know how to use it.

The sgian dubh is a weapon, but it is also a tool.

I have been in banks, police stations, bars, restuarants, everywhere, and never have I been questioned.

But like I said, I'm an old geezer, and maybe I can carry it off better than a 19 or 20 year old.

I think it comes down to a matter of attitude, up-bringing, and personality.

[slohairt]

No I've never had any problem. Most people don't even notice it!

[McG]

Normally git awa wae it as it is part o' the national dress but if ye go tae a niteclub they wull probably tuk it aff ye until ye come oot.Every where else dinnae mind!