Can you wear a sgian dubh in Boston?

**lethearen** · 11th January 10, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by DesertCeltic

Thanks for the input. After researching the laws, and the maximum limit of blade length being 2.5 inches, I have decided to forgo taking my sgian dubh with me.

I think in Texas we're allowed5.5 inches! But, then again, daggers and dirks are explicitly banned by name. So we can't do the dubh... at least not legally

**Tobus** · 11th January 10, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by lethearen

I think in Texas we're allowed5.5 inches! But, then again, daggers and dirks are explicitly banned by name. So we can't do the dubh... at least not legally

Dirks are mentioned by name, but I don't think the sgian dubh qualifies as a dagger. Of course, the term "dagger" is not specifically defined. Being that a typical sgian dubh is not sharpened on both sides, it could be argued that it's just a utility knife much like a pocket knife. And those are most decidedly legal.

**D.A. Guertin** · 11th January 10, 02:21 PM

Unless things have changed recently, any fixed bladed knife is illegal for carry in Texas unless travelling to or from a place of immediate usage. I have a friend of mine who's also a kiltie, on the Dallas PD, and he's confirmed you don't want to make the arguement using the text of the law when you're walking the street, for obvious reasons. Immediate usage. ;-)

**MarkMcM** · 11th January 10, 02:29 PM

I never go anywhere I'm forced to wear an 'imitation' sgain dubh.

**Tobus** · 11th January 10, 02:37 PM

any fixed bladed knife is illegal for carry in Texas

Wait. What?

How is this possible? Are all fixed-blade knives considered "daggers"? I know lots and lots of people who carry fixed-blade knives (under 5-1/2") on their belts in sheaths, and have never heard of anyone running up against the law on it. Granted, I live in a small rural town so we're not dealing with city cops who may have a different opinion. But I'm very curious how "dagger" equals any fixed-blade knife. Does a butter knife count?

(Sorry for the threadjack)

**Piobair** · 11th January 10, 02:42 PM

The police force in Boston tends to turn a blind eye when it comes to the sgian. If they were interested in busting people for carrying them while kilted, there would be a lot of pipers in the clink following the Southie St. Pats parade. As long as you're not flashing it around, you'll likely have no problem.

**scotchmaster** · 11th January 10, 03:53 PM

I have lost 2 Sgians to the Massachusetts State Police. The Boston Cops are less interested. All fixed blade knives are considered Dirks...

Originally Posted by Piobair

The police force in Boston tends to turn a blind eye when it comes to the sgian. If they were interested in busting people for carrying them while kilted, there would be a lot of pipers in the clink following the Southie St. Pats parade. As long as you're not flashing it around, you'll likely have no problem.

**D.A. Guertin** · 11th January 10, 04:00 PM

Fixed blade knives are prohibited as a general category; dirks, daggers and several other things are prohibited specifically.

**-B-** · 11th January 10, 11:53 PM

Folding knives in Boston, Lynn, Lowell, Brockton have too be 2.5"or less the are city ordinances and they are serious about them. Fixed bladed knives can only be worn or carried if they are for sporting or work. Double edged knives are mandatory 1 year in jail no and if or buts.

Do not carry in or around the airport, or subways unless you like to meet and greet with the authorities.

As long as you are not causing trouble or involved in trouble you are fine in most cases.

**Tobus** · 12th January 10, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by D.A. Guertin

Fixed blade knives are prohibited as a general category; dirks, daggers and several other things are prohibited specifically.

I don't mean to be argumentative, but where in the Texas statute does it prohibit fixed blade knives as a general category? Does the term "dagger" refer to all fixed blade knives?