Quote Originally Posted by Yaish View Post
Wasn't there some consensus that the Sgian Dubh and Sgian Ochles was indeed one and the same blade? That while worn concealed it was often in the armpit, but when entering a friendly abode it was stuck in the sock as a mark of friendship and respect?

Perhaps that was just a story.
It's my understanding, and of course, I could be wrong, that the major difference between the Sgian Ochles and the Sgian Dubh is size. As I understand it the Sgian Ochles was and is a more offensive large knife and the Sgian Dubh was and is a small defensive knife. But both were routinely worn hidden.

The story that I like about why it is in the hose top is to show your host where you have placed it, out in the open. Saying to him in essense - "Here, my hidden knife is, for all to see - you have nothing to fear from me!" (This story has no real basis for belief, I just like it.)

Similar tales are told as to how and why the salute came about and also the standard handshake…. As a manner of showing a friend and/or ally that you held no weapon in your hand.