Sgian Dubh

**Hamish** · 17th January 06, 05:45 AM

Originally Posted by GlassMan

Ham, have you ever seen the sgian dubhs that have additional tools hidden in the handle? Avance highland and some others sell them and claim that they were modelled after an officer's sgian dubh from the Crimean War. I've not been able to find any corroborating evidence on that fact. Your thoughts?

Sorry Phil, but I have never heard of such a thing, but then I am not an historian nor am I into matters military. Certainly, I am not aware of anything like that being listed by any retailer of Highland Dress with whom I am in touch. You would be too knowledgeable to be confusing this with some Dirks that incorporate eating 'tools', but that is all I can think of in this connection.

**kiltedjaz** · 17th January 06, 06:02 AM

If you are in any doubt as to the legallity of a Sgian Dubh...check with your local police. They will give you sensible advice and they are, obviously, aware of national laws and also any local bye-laws.
When I lived in Dorset the police told me it was OK to wear it as long as it was part of 'the outfit'. It was not considered to be an offensive weapon. I now live in Kent and Kent Constabulary say the same.

Jim

**James** · 17th January 06, 06:27 AM

Skean Dhu with eating utensils: I have seen a very ornate dirk with what appeared to be small utensils mounted on the outside of the scabbard.

Could this be what is being thought about?

James

**davedove** · 17th January 06, 06:29 AM

What they are talking about is the sgian dubh, often marketed as the Officer's Sgian Dubh, that has a corkscrew and I think a bottle opener that folds out, like a Swiss Army knife.

**GlassMan** · 17th January 06, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by davedove

What they are talking about is the sgian dubh, often marketed as the Officer's Sgian Dubh, that has a corkscrew and I think a bottle opener that folds out, like a Swiss Army knife.

That's the one. Seems convenient to have bottle opening utensils on hand!

But I also wonder how think it must be compared to a normal one.

**prattw** · 17th January 06, 09:14 AM

With regards to the "Officer's" sgean dhu with small tools folding out of the handle, I have seen them offered. The blurb I've seen said they were based upon a style worn during the First World War.

As to the utility of the sgean dhu, I think it depends upon the particular knife. My own is made of pretty fair stainless steel. It's not the equal of a modern knife steel, but as good as most ordinary 19th century knives. It works fine for anything you'd use a spear-point utility knife for. I keep mine sharpened (it holds an edge moderately well, though it's not great that way) and I've used it to cut cardboard when fashioning a slotted box for filled-in forms at the highland games, for making a fuzz stick to light off the barby at same (my wife doesn't like to use charcoal lighter, she's a purist about outdoor cooking), cutting lengths of line, and many similar tasks. It's no better than a folder of equal size would be, really not quite as good, but it does the job and that's one less thing I have to cram into my sporran or clip to my belt. And I'm going to be carrying the sgian dhu anyway. ISTR that Matt Newsome has mentioned using his as a box cutter.

Will Pratt

billmcc · 17th January 06, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by davedove

What they are talking about is the sgian dubh, often marketed as the Officer's Sgian Dubh, that has a corkscrew and I think a bottle opener that folds out, like a Swiss Army knife.

Here is a link for one of these knifes:
http://kiltstore.net/sr_gaeli_the_of...e=highlandwear

**highlander_Daz** · 17th January 06, 10:10 AM

Glassman said
"have you ever seen the sgian dubhs that have additional tools hidden in the handle"??

that will be a swiss army Sgian Dubh, now availabe on the royal mile!!
(apologies to anyone who hasnt been along the royal mile- the rest of you know what I mean) JK

billmcc · 17th January 06, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by highlander_Daz

that will be a swiss army Sgian Dubh, now availabe on the royal mile!!

Daz,

How much is a swiss army Sgian Dubh selling for on the Royal Mile?

**kilted_selkie** · 17th January 06, 06:14 PM

i've got a book here that has a photo of "an uncommon sgian dubh"

"picked up at a campsite where highland soldiers assembled for an embarkation to the boer war,"

it has a corkscrew and a bottle opener as well as some other tools that are undefinable, and the silver mounts are hallmarked for 1874,

hope that helps anyone with some research if they are interested.