Sgian dubh in church?

**The Wizard of BC** · 19th January 16, 11:19 PM

I'm very sorry OC Richard if I did not make it clear enough.

Posted with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

**Father Bill** · 20th January 16, 06:57 AM

You know...

I've already posted in this thread twice, but another maxim by which I've lived is that if you're concerned that something might not be right - don't do it. That way you won't be concerned.

**MacRobert's Reply** · 20th January 16, 11:38 AM

"When in doubt, don't" is good general advice. St Paul would agree! However, in Scotland the SD is considered to be a part of Scottish Highland dress (although not an essential part), so most of the places the kilt is appropriate, the SD is appropriate if worn with it. Obvious exceptions include some sporting events!

Personally, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't wear a SD but they are commonly worn by all the kilted attendees at weddings in our local churches across the three denominations of Episcopalian, Church of Scotland and Roman Catholic.

**OC Richard** · 25th January 16, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

another maxim by which I've lived is that if you're concerned that something might not be right - don't do it. That way you won't be concerned.

Wise as usual, my dear Father!

**OC Richard** · 25th January 16, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Posted with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

The part about the Scotsman in the 1700s of course it's silly.

The part about "rules" and "musts", unfortunately a regular feature on these Forums is somebody complaining about "rules" and "musts". Thing is, the complaining post is nearly always the first appearance of those words in the thread in question... as in this case.

**jetstar63** · 25th January 16, 07:44 PM

I wouldn't have something like a sgian dubh in church, but I wouldn't care if someone else did.

**AFS1970** · 26th January 16, 11:32 AM

I think the best advise so far here has been that if you were not a member of this site you would not think twice about wearing it. I got my first sgian dhu with my first kilt. It was part of a package deal, and for the most part is considered part of the costume/uniform. Almost everywhere I have ever gone in a kilt, including events with other kilted folks, someone will ask about the knife and if it is sharp. Big deal. I have never worn a kilt to my own church but have done so at other churches, including my own wedding, and at all times I have had a sgian dhu on. I don't know of any church that has ever said no to this. The distinction between weapon and tool is a minor one at best.

Think of the original question like this. I have to go to dinner right after church. I will not have time to go home. Should I go to church dressed for dinner or go home and change or miss church. Obviously going dressed for dinner is the best choice, and if anyone were to ask why you were dressed other than you normally do you could tell the truth and say you were going to dinner right after the service. I for one think there will be more questions about the kilt and TCHD in a general sense than any one item included in what you are wearing.

Like with most of life, don't over think it.

**Braw Cathairneach** · 6th February 16, 08:02 AM

Semper Paratus

**okiwen** · 7th February 16, 03:21 AM

I had a habit of going to church nearly my whole life. I carried a pocket knife every day and I have worn the SD every time I was kilted. It is a beautiful accessory as well as appropriate. I have never had a negative comment. I do not flaunt it or direct attention to it, just as I wouldn't for a pocket knife or my CC gun. It is what it is and not a big deal. I understand the point that the Wizard has made and I cannot find fault in that thought. If you leave it in the car out of respect, then the respect is proper. Respect is rarely misplaced. I seem to have been long winded when Panache has stated his two cents and mine as well.

**BThomHie** · 11th February 16, 06:49 PM

I arrive late to the party as usual. Most important in the presentation of the kilt is the 1st impression. I believe that it is our desire as a community is to avoid being a cartoon. When I wear my kilt to church it is in reverence to the community. That being said, in the summer I might take collection with my 90 year old friend in cargo shorts or I might be reading for the candle light Christmas Eve service.
In the top of my hose is an attractive antler handle attached to a Sgian Brew. When ask "Wats in your sock?', I pull the handle out and usually there is a good laugh. The appearance of the complete kilt is intact, no one is offended and I have an accessory that is fully functional in all social situations.