dirk

[Nighthawk]

Actually, Nighthawk, that's a very broad generalization. Most, if not all, of the Japanese sword techniques are right-handed only. (I study Aikido, which utilizes some sword training to inform the open-handed movements. Open-hand techniques are trained both ways. I also have it on authority from some Kendo practitioners.) Not that one couldn't also do weapons training on the left side, but that could put one at least at a disadvantage fighting a right-handed opponent, if not into some truly dangerous positions, depending on the attack/counter.


As far as the OP. I concur with the other gentlemen that have posted. Dirk on the right hand side, belt over the waistcoat.

When I say they're all taught ambidextrous, that is indeed an oversimplification without getting too deep into the actual technique. Truth is that all the instructors that I have ever talked to have said there is no such thing as weapons techniques for lefties- you're right handed weather you are or not. But the techniques are taught to be as effective with the left hand as the right. And as you said- depending on the situation. I just didn't want to highjack the thread. (And by the by, I study Shotokan karate and Jui Jitsu. I'm going to PM you so as to not highjack further!!)

[OC Richard]

At my wedding I wore the dirk at the reception, but not at the actual wedding ceremony.

I was wearing a Prince Charlie. I suspended the dirk from the cloth belt of the belted plaid I was wearing, something I often did back then.

I wore the dirk at the reception because, sort of as a joke, I drew it to cut the cake. Makes for some interesting wedding photos.

[JSFMACLJR]

I wore the dirk at the reception because, sort of as a joke, I drew it to cut the cake. Makes for some interesting wedding photos.

Hardly a joke. It's done quite often. You might think it funny, but some of us might think it's a pretty handy way to cut cake!

[Nighthawk]

Hardly a joke. It's done quite often. You might think it funny, but some of us might think it's a pretty handy way to cut cake!

I have actually had couple ask to use mine for exactly that! I don't wear it to officiate, of course, but I make no bones about my living history involvement, as anyone visiting my Facebook page can see, so couples looking at my personal photos know I have a dirk. I've actually bought a cheap dirk as a "loaner" for cases where the couple wants to cut the cake with one of those "little swords."

[creagdhubh]

Hardly a joke. It's done quite often. You might think it funny, but some of us might think it's a pretty handy way to cut cake!

Quite right!

[Strings]

Now why should the groom wear a dirk? Isn't it the groomsmen's job to deal with any objectors? >

[Brian K]

Hardly a joke. It's done quite often. You might think it funny, but some of us might think it's a pretty handy way to cut cake!

What he said! Besides, what if the cake decides to fight back?!?