Correct wearing of Sgian Dubh

**Standard** · 11th May 08, 10:03 AM

Ok, so I'm in the market for my first sgian, which will have to unfortunately be mail orderd since there are no shops within 100 miles of here that carry Scottish items.

My problem is two-fold:

I've been having trouble visualising the true size of a sgian since I've not been able to get one in my hands to checkout. I'm curious as to what exactly is the proper method of wearing the sgian dubh, ie how much of the hilt is to be left above the garter; is it possible to actually use said knife, or is it in the hose in such a manner that it is next to impossible to use without much trouble; if you can indeed unsheath the sgian to use how does one go about re-sheathing without cutting your hose to ribbons?

My second problem is with the knife itself. I simply abhor a knife that is not useful, and therefore would like a quality blade that will hold a keen edge, and at the same time of course look nice. Anyone have any suggestions of a maker supplying such an animal? I'm willing to spend upto about $150 US, is this a reasonable price-range?

Thanks for all your help, looking forward to reading the (I'm sure) varied responses.

**auld argonian** · 11th May 08, 10:33 AM

Sounds like you have kinda sorta the same problem that I have with sghians.

It should be a functional knife so I look for a carbon steel blade that can actually be sharpened. I do, though, have to draw the line at the overly ornate stuff that I see so much of. Simple rules. I look at all of the things in a kilt outfit that are usually done to the ornamental max and wonder why...everything's fighting for attention. Lots of these sghian handles look so heavy that I have to wonder if they fall out of the sock top because of their mass.

The overshadowing thing for me would be to remember to keep it under wraps and only tuck it into the sock at Scottish events. Remember that I live in Chicago and the wise man does not walk around with a knife in sight...I wore the kilt to a Sox game last year and the Chicago cop moonlighting as security made a point of stopping me and checking for the "knife in your sock". Don't feel like getting something nice and then having it confiscated by the gendarmerie.

As to size, they should be small. Most municipalities have a limit (usually three inches) on a blade size that you can carry and, let's face it, it's more a ceremonial piece than anything...I doubt that you're going to be skinning any deer with it even if you can get a decent blade going.

Best

AA

**Jack Daw** · 11th May 08, 10:47 AM

I'm a lefty an unashamedly carry it in my LEFT hose/garter. I use my sgian dhu at Highland games quite often. When I am eating outdoor vendor food, it works better than a plastic knife. I also use it to cut duct tape, which I use for various purposes at Highland games. To unsheathe, I pull the entire thing from my hose and then yank the knife from the sheathe. No big deal.

**McMurdo** · 11th May 08, 10:51 AM

Here is a picture of one of my sgians in my hose top

I think the placement is about right, some people will have more showing and some less, I prefer to have about an inch out of the top of the hose.

As to size that depends on the maker of the knife, however the one pictured is 7 1/2" long with a 4" blade, it is a Glen Esk sgian that I purchased from ebay.

I know what you mean about having a real knife, I'm sure many on the forum feel the same way, however if I am wearing a sgian at all it is apt to be a rather dressy occasion where the need for a serviceable blade is going to be slim and none, relegating the sgian to simply a decoration anyway, and that begs the question how much are you willing to spend on a decoration that is mostly hidden in your hose?

**DWFII** · 11th May 08, 10:57 AM

Can you get a good sgian dhu off of Ebay for a reasonable cost? One that isn't too ornate--with glass baubles and such--and one without a plastic handle, and one with a blade that is functional if not of the highest grade?

**JS Sanders** · 11th May 08, 11:03 AM

<< I also use it to cut duct tape, which I use for various purposes at Highland games. >>

Dare I ask what in particular?

slainte,
stevie

**ChattanCat** · 11th May 08, 11:17 AM

I too prefer a functional knife. I look for Nowill knives, usually under $100. Sometimes you can find the for $14-$30 on the bay.

It has been said that if you withdraw your sgian from it's sheath, blood must be spilled. So, be careful where you draw the sgian, it may be your blood. :0

**Abax** · 11th May 08, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by Standard

there are no shops within 100 miles of here that carry Scottish items.

Many site sponsors carry sgians dubh. For example, I visited the Scottish Tartans Museum in person recently and they have a nice selection of reasonably priced knives. Their knives are typical of what I've seen elsewhere - about 8" overall length (including the sheath) with a blade just over 3" long. They're supplied (as many are) without an edge, something you or a pro can add for little time and cost.

You can spend as much as you're willing to on sgians dubh. Mine came from Rab Gordon and is well-crafted and functional.

I'm curious as to what exactly is the proper method of wearing the sgian dubh, ie how much of the hilt is to be left above the garter

Look at the various style threads for examples of how others are wearing a sgian dubh. You'll probably notice that a lot of people don't wear a sgian dubh while dressed casually. I sometimes wear a sgian dubh dressed casually, sometimes not, it just depends where I'm going.

is it possible to actually use said knife

Sure it is. I use mine for light-duty things like opening packages or cutting a piece of fruit or string. Most sgians dubh are not heavy-duty utility knives that would substitute for a crowbar, nor are they likely to work very well for gutting a fish. I use specialty tools for those tasks and reserve my sgian dubh for the same tasks where a pocket knife might serve. To access my sgian dubh, I pull the knife - sheath and all - out of my sock then pull it from the sheath. The knife is just too sharp to risk pulling the blade out of the sheath in situ (although I suppose I could). I also replace it in the sheath before putting it back in my hose. Your questions might be intended to point out that the sgian dubh isn't as practical as some other knives - I'd agree with that.

Your preferences are your best guide.

Abax

**walkerk** · 11th May 08, 11:53 AM

The knives from Comrie Crafts ( http://www.scottishsgiandubhs.com/ ) are simple, elegant, and not overly expensive. The blade on mine is sharp and servicable. It appears that many of the advertisers on X-Marks carry their goods and most are willing to take special orders if you ask.