Wearing a dirk

[Derek Conley]

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?

For a right-handed individual, the right side is classified as the "strong side", and the reverse is true for left-handers. Having a dirk (or any knife) worn on the strong side is preferable; the reason being, the dirk is drawn with the right hand, point downward (in a "reverse" grip), true edge facing out. Drawing in this way is extremely fast, and being that the dirk was worn nigh-on constantly, was practiced often. I quote, "It is a concealed mischief, hid under the plaid, ready for secret stabbing, and in a close encounter there is no defense against it."

Also, of course, it was wielded in a reverse grip in the left hand, or targe/dirk combination, when wielding the broadsword in the right. Used in this manner it was drawn with the left hand, cross-body, then flipped into a reverse grip.

The dirk was a very complex and almost mystical item to Scots Gaelic martial culture. Oaths were sworn on it and considered truly binding; it was described as able to slay supernatural creatures such as hags, etc.

James Logan's "The Scottish Gael" circa 1831, has a great section on weapons here; just scan down to section 216 to "DAGGERS, OR DIRKS".

(The full account of "The Scottish Gael" can be found here)

I'll stop now!