Wearing a dirk

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Other than pipers, I don't see many kilties wearing the dirk. I purchased one some time back, the military style complete with knife and fork slots in the sheath. What I don't have is the piece for attaching it to my kilt belt.
Also, does anyone who wears the dirk use a frog for carrying it? If not, how do you negotiate sitting down while wearing it? Or do you have to take it off every time you sit?
One last thought: I've always seen it worn on the right side, which would seem really awkward to draw for a right-handed individual. Was there a military regulation requiring the dirk be worn on the right?

Kinsman,

The dirk is worn on the right and sword on the left. In old paintings the dirk is shown hanging almost in front of the wearer. The concept was that the dirk was held in the left hand and used to parry and trap your opponents sword (sort of the Rob Roy equivalent of a continental "main gauche"). The dirk could/would also be held in the left hand when using the targe.

Nowadays the dirk is suspended from a leather frog, a loop that passes over your belt and through the staple on the back of the sheath and is closed with a stud. I'll email you a picture of mine, if you will promise to post it on this thread as my computer is down I can't get my i-Phone to post photos. Any local tack shop or leather worker can make one for you.

Today the dirk has generally fallen out of style, even though many books will tell you it is part of "white tie" attire. The reasons for this seem to be (1) Cost. The last full dress dirk we made at Wilkinson Sword went out the door for nearly thrice the cost of a new basket hit broadsword (over 2,400 GBP). (2) Fashion. Because of the flood of cheap and nasty dirks on the market what used to be called "gentlemen of quality" stopped wearing them because dirks had become something of a hall mark for the "Braveheart Boys".

If, like some of us, you do find occasion to wear the dirk, please remember that it's not worn with black tie, nor is the bejeweled dirk with by-knife and by-fork properly worn during the day. For day wear a plain dirk, either brass or silver mounted, is called for.

In answer to your "where does it go when I sit down" question, the dirk should be worn more to the front of your body and not on your hip like a pistol. It then slides around to the front of your kilt next to the sporran when you are seated.

Best Regards,
Scott

[davedove]

Today the dirk has generally fallen out of style, even though many books will tell you it is part of "white tie" attire. The reasons for this seem to be (1) Cost. The last full dress dirk we made at Wilkinson Sword went out the door for nearly thrice the cost of a new basket hit broadsword (over 2,400 GBP). (2) Fashion. Because of the flood of cheap and nasty dirks on the market what used to be called "gentlemen of quality" stopped wearing them because dirks had become something of a hall mark for the "Braveheart Boys".

As well as the fact that in general society people don't go around wearing weapons anymore. Only in very specific circumstances would one be appropriate.

[thescot]

As well as the fact that in general society people don't go around wearing weapons anymore. Only in very specific circumstances would one be appropriate.

At least not out in plain sight!

[Twa_Corbies]

I wore my dress dirk to a Governor's recepion at the state capital a few years ago. I remember getting a few nervous glances from some of the aides as I stood in line to shake hands with the governor, but no one ever said anything to me (much to my relief).

[wyldathart]

I wore my dress dirk to a Governor's recepion at the state capital a few years ago. I remember getting a few nervous glances from some of the aides as I stood in line to shake hands with the governor, but no one ever said anything to me (much to my relief).

Hahaha Ooops I'm suprised you got away with it in these times where everyone is paranoid

[Twa_Corbies]

Hahaha Ooops I'm suprised you got away with it in these times where everyone is paranoid

That must have been back in 1998 or 1999 - a bit before "Homeland Security" came into effect. I wouldn't dream of wearing it under those circumstances now.

[wyldathart]

Oh I know that wearing a dirk has fallen to the wayside. I mean even I know I'm not going to be facing thieves stealing my cattle or charging a crowd of Enemies threatening my hearth and home. But I might still like to belt one on and wear it for no other reason than I can. And I like the quote thats says:

" Nothing is quite as comforting as the feel of cold steel in the dark"

I can't remember where I got that from but I liked it

Cheers *toasts with a wee dram of Drambuie