When is a dirk appropriate?

[Panache]

Just a thought

It would seem that the Montrose doublet (white tie formal) is really the only type of coatee/doublet that would really work with carrying a dirk. Regulation doublets, Prince Charlie coatees, and Sherrifmuir doublets all lack a belt to hang the dirk from.

I made my dirk and even when doing the "Address of the Haggis" it seemed much easier to simply put the knife and sheath on the table to not spoil the lines of my PC style coatee.


(Jock and MoR I did clean the blade after the speech so no fears! )

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[davedove]

I would agree with the "only on specific occasions" choice. I'm sure a lot of people want to strap on a dirk (or even a sword) because they have this romantic image in their heads from the time gentlemen regularly wore their arms about.

Well, this is the 21st century and that just isn't done anymore, except for specific occasions.

I know those blades can cost a lot and you want to show them off, but leave them home unless you have a specific occasion for it, like those mentioned before.

[Am Bàrd]

Both my parents are pipers and do wear dirks on occasion, though not often. Appropriateness is gauged by the event though I think - wearing a dirk when piping a golf tournament would be a little much, but a Burns night or wedding would be ok.

With regards to weapons in a House of Worship - it's actually quite historical for Scots to wear weapons in church. There is a semi-famous quote describing the Scots as always going about armed, even in church - though I'm afraid I can't recall the source at the moment.

[macwilkin]

With regards to weapons in a House of Worship - it's actually quite historical for Scots to wear weapons in church. There is a semi-famous quote describing the Scots as always going about armed, even in church - though I'm afraid I can't recall the source at the moment.

Well, yes and no...while there are at least two stories I can think of armed ministers -- both Episcopalian vicars dealing with hostile Presbyterian congregations -- and of course, the armed piquets of the Covenanters on guard against approaching dragoons -- generally, church protocol and custom frowns on the idea of wearing weapons while in kirk.

Remember that in a church there is the custom of the right of sanctuary -- think the martyrdom of St. Thomas a' Becket or Bruce's murder of the Red Comyn.

T.

[Bruno]

Well, yes and no...while there are at least two stories I can think of armed ministers -- both Episcopalian vicars dealing with hostile Presbyterian congregations -- and of course, the armed piquets of the Covenanters on guard against approaching dragoons -- generally, church protocol and custom frowns on the idea of wearing weapons while in kirk.

Remember that in a church there is the custom of the right of sanctuary -- think the martyrdom of St. Thomas a' Becket or Bruce's murder of the Red Comyn.

T.

Actually it was Thomas Becket not Thomas a Becket this is a common mistake that has grown to such an extent that many actually believe that to be the truth rather than his real name.

[macwilkin]

Actually it was Thomas Becket not Thomas a Becket this is a common mistake that has grown to such an extent that many actually believe that to be the truth rather than his real name.

You'll need to let the Oxford Dictionary of English, the New Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors, and Chambers Biographical Dictionary all know then -- all three prefer the term, which reportedly was an imitation of Thomas a' Kempis.

And I thought I was pedantic!

T.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Just a thought

It would seem that the Montrose doublet (white tie formal) is really the only type of coatee/doublet that would really work with carrying a dirk. Regulation doublets, Prince Charlie coatees, and Sherrifmuir doublets all lack a belt to hang the dirk from.

A fairly astute observation. However, if one is wearing a coatee or open doublet then the dirk belt is buckled over the waistcoat. In the "Vintage Photos Thread" there is an excellent photo of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield at the Caledonian Ball in London which clearly shows this arrangement. The other options are to wear a narrow belt under the waistcoat (as is done by Privy Councilors and others when carrying a sword) or to hang the dirk from the top R/H kilt strap (the dirk is always worn on the right). This last method is the least desirable as it places the dirk too much to the side of the wearer. It should properly be worn in front of the hip bone, not behind it.

But, as you have pointed out, the best place for the dirk at a Burns Supper is on the table, ready for use!