arm pit knife

**Joe Gondek** · 25th February 08, 11:49 AM

I've seen a lot of pictures of arm pit knifes and have a balde that would be suitable to make a knife that would be correct for the 18th century

The problem I have is this:
I can't find a picture of a sheath and how they were carried under the arm.
did they use a belt hook device and just slip onto the weskit ?

Does any have a picture of an 18th century correct sheath and carry rig that they would like to share.

**JS Sanders** · 25th February 08, 02:43 PM

An expert on Highlander lore, told me the sgian achlais was worn in a sheath sewn into the upper sleeve. The inner portion of the sleeve closest to your side. You should be able to slide your hand thru the shirt opening to reach it. Can't imagine this being comfortable to wear.

The alternative fashion was to attach the sheath inside the side of your shirt. Again, you reach thru your shirt's opening to grasp the sgian.

The reasoning was that one's arm held naturally at the side would disguise the bulge created by a knife.

Personally, I'd attach inside a coat, jerkin, doublet, etc near my armpit.

There are no known surviving examples of sgian achlais's, only descriptions made by observant outsiders to the Highlands.

Surely most any way you did this with period 'parts' would be authentic.... akin to multiple methods of depriving a feline of its pelage.

Wish I could tell you more, but you now know as much as I do. Hope this makes some sense to you.

Slainte yall,
steve

**Panache** · 25th February 08, 02:49 PM

Joe,

I added the term sgian achlais to your title to make it clear that the knife in question is a historic one associated with Highland dress.

Cheers

Jamie

**ChattanCat** · 25th February 08, 03:04 PM

I did find this reproduction:

**Joe Gondek** · 25th February 08, 03:05 PM

Personally, I'd attach inside a coat, jerkin, doublet, etc near my armpit.

Thanks I think that is how I'll do it

**JS Sanders** · 25th February 08, 03:31 PM

Also - it's understood these knives were on the small side. Small wonder considering where they were secreted. If I wore one, my preference would be to have as flat a handle as possible.

My same source also told me a large number of Highland blades came from broken swords. Steel was very much a valuable commodity back then.

Even carrying around a piece of iron was said to keep the malevolent spirits away.

Slainte,
steve

**Brian F** · 25th February 08, 03:45 PM

I dunno' about the accuracy of it, but I am seeing something like the modern neck-knives, where it dangles upside down, and can be pulled out with a bit of ease.

**macwilkin** · 25th February 08, 04:18 PM

Even carrying around a piece of iron was said to keep the malevolent spirits away.

Exactly. In the 1960's version of Kidnapped, Alan Breck pulls his dirk, makes the sign of the cross, and swears on the "Holy Iron" that he had "heart nor part" in the murder of the Red Fox...

T.