Sgian dubh on the inside

[CDNSushi]

When I was a kid and it was just becoming fashionable for men to wear an earring, you had to make sure that you wore it in the left ear... If you wore it in your right, that meant you were gay.

Likewise, later on I was taught that leaving two pennies on a restaurant table as a tip signified that the service was sub-par.

I suspect that this, like the above garbage has just as much truth to it. Cryptic signs and symbols may mean something to a few, select people but everyone else will just look on with staggering indifference.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have just been told on another forum that wearing the sgian on the inside of the leg is some kind of challenge to a fight.

Is this true?

Actually, this is, surprisingly, not a myth. It is


TOTAL HORSE PUCKY!!!

The "myth" is that the sgian dubh is worn in the hose top to show that one has "peaceful intentions". The reality is that the sgian dubh was originally used as a small skinning knife by deer stalkers, and was stuffed into the top of their stocking so they didn't have to grope around on the ground looking for it while gutting or skinning deer. The name "sgian dubh", by the way, is not derived from stealthy concealment or the colour of the handle, but from the fact that the blades of these knives were darkly stained from rough and indifferent use. The wide spread wearing of the sgian dubh as a part of ordinary Highland dress dates mainly from the 19th century.

[Paul]

When I was a kid and it was just becoming fashionable for men to wear an earring, you had to make sure that you wore it in the left ear... If you wore it in your right, that meant you were gay.

I never knew this... I only have mine pierced in the left and perhaps by coincidence I'm straight? lol

[macwilkin]

Never heard of that one before.

Perhaps Matt Newsome or cajunscot would weigh in if they have found a mention of this?

Always remember when you read or hear anything to always consider the source.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

Nope, that's a new one to me.

T.

[CommonHighrise]

The reality is that the sgian dubh was originally used as a small skinning knife by deer stalkers, and was stuffed into the top of their stocking so they didn't have to grope around on the ground looking for it while gutting or skinning deer.

I'm far from an expert on Gaelic dress...however this makes the most sense to me. In the field, a short knife is the most common reached-for tool that you can carry on your body. Normally, one would carry such a tool on your belt, but considering the construction and wear of a great kilt, I could see the fabric getting in the way when crouched or contorted. Whereas the lower leg is easily accessible whenever you are working on the ground.

As far as positioning inside/outside, using the same rationale, I'd say worn on the outside shows normal dress. Inside the leg, and you might have a confused Scot on your hands. The only time I would take the position of the knife to mean an impending fight, is when it is in the hand.

[Bigkahuna]

This is a new one to me. I never heard of any kind of challenge based on how you worn your sgian dubh. Now if you drink a shot and turn your glass rim down on the bar, THAT might get you in trouble in some places.

[herminator]

OK, thanks to all!

I thought it was BS, a lady found it in a whisky magazine article about a kiltmaker from cologne.
That is the one who takes 700 Euro for a kilt!
That is ca. 1000 $ !!

[SFCRick]

never heard of it or seen it tried

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

Wearing the sgian inside the leg? never heard of it really... but if the blade itself is inside the leg, then the fight has already begun.

[wildrover]

Well...I have little knowledge of sock knives or Highland dress...

But common sense tells me that wearing a knife somewhere hard-to-reach as an indication that one is ready to use it sounds like complete oop:

-S