A question on a sgian dubh

[Singlemalt]

Aonghas, I think that one of the wonderful things about traditional highland dress is that is allows a wide latitude for personal expression when compared to modern men's formal wear. Just look at the old Victorian prints of gentlemen dressed to meet the Queen. This was no same same tuxedo look. They all expressed their own individual style and heritage.

Knowing a bit about your background if you have the skills to make your own sgian why not incorporate some symbol from your other heritage. I think a tree of peace would be great or your clan symbol? If you are turtle clan I could picture that as a wonderful option. The decoration on a sgian would be a subtle way to express individuality without taking away from the overall traditional highland look.

[aonghas]

Singlemalt, I wear the tree of peace on my shoulder with the great turtle supporting the tree, as well as my clan bear on the inside of my right forearm (it got me fired as it shows past my cuff) but that is for another time. That why I was going to make a sgian dubh of antler, but I guess that would be a no no. but a bear embedded into the sheath might be OK. I know that Europeans misusing our clan images does sadden me. I do want to do that to the Scots. Being of mixed spirits is at best confusing,

[Singlemalt]

Singlemalt, I wear the tree of peace on my shoulder with the great turtle supporting the tree, as well as my clan bear on the inside of my right forearm (it got me fired as it shows past my cuff) but that is for another time. That why I was going to make a sgian dubh of antler, but I guess that would be a no no. but a bear embedded into the sheath might be OK. I know that Europeans misusing our clan images does sadden me. I do want to do that to the Scots. Being of mixed spirits is at best confusing,

I would suggest your mixed heritage is perhaps confusing but also a great blessing. With deep roots in both cultures you have a unique opportunity to respectfully combine symbols and images in a way that for most of the rest of us would be posing and fakery. Your respect for tradtion and heritage is a credit to your character and I see no issue with you combining them in how you live, dress and present yourself.

[MNlad]

Aonghas, there's nothing to say a man can't have two sgians. . . or three, or four. If you're like most of us on this forum, you'll probably be wearing a kilt at less formal events much more frequently that black tie gatherings.

[Celtic Ichor]

Steven, who has registered here as Tam Piperson, Jock Tamson, The Scotsman, Twa Corbies, and about 12 other pseudonyms has had his membership here repeatedly revoked.