Are you complete without a Sgian Dubh?

[JRB]

I would think it entirely appropriate for clergy not to wear sgian dubh, regardless of the occasion. Surely one's commitment to one's vows, as one understands them, supercede one's commitment to dressing fashionably.

When in doubt, ask one's sacerdotal superior.

I would tend to agree with you on that point. If ones religious vows were against wearing a sgian dubh that is certainly an appropriate reason to not wear one. However, my father was a pastor for over forty years in the American Baptist Church. He is now retired and ministers only on an as needed basis. Anyway, never in my entire life growing up with him did he mention that he couldn't or shouldn't use, wear or carry a blade. In fact, he gave me my first pocket knife when I was around 9 years old and I know he carries his own pocket knife. So, I would be willing to go so far as to say that there is no conflict between wearing a sgian dubh and being a pastor. Unless, of course, you belong to a non-Christian faith that prohibits it or your brand of Christianity specifically prohibits it. But the bottom line is...if you feel like you shouldn't wear a sgian dubh then don't.