From what I have read the dirk was held in the same hand as the targe / shield and the other used for the sword. I have not ready anywhere about the sgian being used as a weapon and I feel that unless it was razor sharp and used as a cutting or slashing weapon it would do little harm due to the normal length of the blade. The Fairbairn Sykes Commando dagger has a 7" blade which has only one purpose and is specifically designed for that. A sgian is usually about 7" in total lenght including the handle.