Could be a sgian dubh

[Thunderbolt]

I completely agree that a sgian dubh is a tool, not an ornament. The kilt is a very practical item of wear, so is most of the other items worn along with the kilt, so why would I carry something that is useless?

I'm glad TheKiltedWonder clarified his point, and I agree.

Actually, I've been told that all of the Sgian dubh's coming out of the UK are dull now, by law. Pathetic.

I actually refused to wear one for many years until I found one that was usable as a real knife. It was this one-

http://www.fernknives.com/cold-steel/mini-culloden/459/

Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. Blah.

T.

Edit- They are making one called the Brave Heart, here-

http://www.fernknives.com/cold-steel...196/index.html

A good alternative?

[Rab Gordon]

Actually, I've been told that all of the Sgian dubh's coming out of the UK are dull now, by law. Pathetic.

There is no UK or Scottish law that I am aware of requiring the Sgian Dubh to be blunt but I know that some companies make them blunt to be on the safe side.
I don't sharpen my Sgian Dubhs unless requested to do so but usually put on at least a nominal edge for ones going to the US.

Rab

[James MacMillan]

- - - -but usually put on at least a nominal edge for ones going to the US.

-and that's so we can hunt and then cut the rare wild nominals?

[Riverkilt]

I'll vote for functional. Two weeks ago was rolling home over the high dirt roads of Black Mesa down in the rezlands. My lady had given me an apple and some cheese for the ride home.

Was so cool just to reach down and pull out my new Navajo sgian dubh, slice off some apple, slice off some cheese, and feel functional.

Course, these days a man's gotta think ahead as to where he's gonna be.

Last year I got pulled over for speeding (trap of course) on the Navajo Rez down by Dilkon. Was in full turn out after the Flagstaff games...including sgian dubh. While talking to the cop remembered it was there and changed my stance so the sgian dubh was out of his sight. No point in complicating things unnecessarily. It was one of the dull blade versions...but since I had to explain the Highland Games to him (No sir, there's no score, its more like a Pow Wow) I didn't want to have to explain a semi-concealed weapon to him.

Ron

[BoldHighlander]

Last year I got pulled over for speeding (trap of course) on the Navajo Rez down by Dilkon. Was in full turn out after the Flagstaff games...including sgian dubh. While talking to the cop remembered it was there and changed my stance so the sgian dubh was out of his sight. No point in complicating things unnecessarily. It was one of the dull blade versions...but since I had to explain the Highland Games to him (No sir, there's no score, its more like a Pow Wow) I didn't want to have to explain a semi-concealed weapon to him.

How long of a blade was it?
Around here it typically wouldn't be a problem unless its over 4" (blade that is) or you forget & walk into an airport

[graham_s]

I completely agree that a sgian dubh is a tool, not an ornament. The kilt is a very practical item of wear, so is most of the other items worn along with the kilt, so why would I carry something that is useless?

I'm glad TheKiltedWonder clarified his point, and I agree.

Actually, I've been told that all of the Sgian dubh's coming out of the UK are dull now, by law. Pathetic.

I actually refused to wear one for many years until I found one that was usable as a real knife. It was this one-

http://www.fernknives.com/cold-steel/mini-culloden/459/

Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. Blah.

T.

Edit- They are making one called the Brave Heart, here-

http://www.fernknives.com/cold-steel...196/index.html

A good alternative?

I have both.
the mini is a better knife for using as it's a little smaller. it's the one i usually carry. the sheath of both of them is a little uncomfortable and the mini tends to ride up when wearing it.