Correct wearing of Sgian Dubh

[Standard]

Ok, so I'm in the market for my first sgian, which will have to unfortunately be mail orderd since there are no shops within 100 miles of here that carry Scottish items.

My problem is two-fold:

I've been having trouble visualising the true size of a sgian since I've not been able to get one in my hands to checkout. I'm curious as to what exactly is the proper method of wearing the sgian dubh, ie how much of the hilt is to be left above the garter; is it possible to actually use said knife, or is it in the hose in such a manner that it is next to impossible to use without much trouble; if you can indeed unsheath the sgian to use how does one go about re-sheathing without cutting your hose to ribbons?

My second problem is with the knife itself. I simply abhor a knife that is not useful, and therefore would like a quality blade that will hold a keen edge, and at the same time of course look nice. Anyone have any suggestions of a maker supplying such an animal? I'm willing to spend upto about $150 US, is this a reasonable price-range?

Thanks for all your help, looking forward to reading the (I'm sure) varied responses.

[auld argonian]

Sounds like you have kinda sorta the same problem that I have with sghians.

It should be a functional knife so I look for a carbon steel blade that can actually be sharpened. I do, though, have to draw the line at the overly ornate stuff that I see so much of. Simple rules. I look at all of the things in a kilt outfit that are usually done to the ornamental max and wonder why...everything's fighting for attention. Lots of these sghian handles look so heavy that I have to wonder if they fall out of the sock top because of their mass.

The overshadowing thing for me would be to remember to keep it under wraps and only tuck it into the sock at Scottish events. Remember that I live in Chicago and the wise man does not walk around with a knife in sight...I wore the kilt to a Sox game last year and the Chicago cop moonlighting as security made a point of stopping me and checking for the "knife in your sock". Don't feel like getting something nice and then having it confiscated by the gendarmerie.

As to size, they should be small. Most municipalities have a limit (usually three inches) on a blade size that you can carry and, let's face it, it's more a ceremonial piece than anything...I doubt that you're going to be skinning any deer with it even if you can get a decent blade going.

Best

AA

[Jack Daw]

I'm a lefty an unashamedly carry it in my LEFT hose/garter. I use my sgian dhu at Highland games quite often. When I am eating outdoor vendor food, it works better than a plastic knife. I also use it to cut duct tape, which I use for various purposes at Highland games. To unsheathe, I pull the entire thing from my hose and then yank the knife from the sheathe. No big deal.

[JRB]

I'm a lefty an unashamedly carry it in my LEFT hose/garter. I use my sgian dhu at Highland games quite often. When I am eating outdoor vendor food, it works better than a plastic knife. I also use it to cut duct tape, which I use for various purposes at Highland games. To unsheathe, I pull the entire thing from my hose and then yank the knife from the sheathe. No big deal.

Being a lefty, I wear my sgian dubh in my left hose as well. And I also always pull the entire knife/sheath out when I use it. If I didn't do that I'd be afraid of accidentally cutting my hose. I like to have at least 1 1/2" sticking out above my hose top so I can get to it easily.

[McMurdo]

Here is a picture of one of my sgians in my hose top

I think the placement is about right, some people will have more showing and some less, I prefer to have about an inch out of the top of the hose.

As to size that depends on the maker of the knife, however the one pictured is 7 1/2" long with a 4" blade, it is a Glen Esk sgian that I purchased from ebay.

I know what you mean about having a real knife, I'm sure many on the forum feel the same way, however if I am wearing a sgian at all it is apt to be a rather dressy occasion where the need for a serviceable blade is going to be slim and none, relegating the sgian to simply a decoration anyway, and that begs the question how much are you willing to spend on a decoration that is mostly hidden in your hose?

[DWFII]

Can you get a good sgian dhu off of Ebay for a reasonable cost? One that isn't too ornate--with glass baubles and such--and one without a plastic handle, and one with a blade that is functional if not of the highest grade?

[JS Sanders]

<< I also use it to cut duct tape, which I use for various purposes at Highland games. >>

Dare I ask what in particular?

slainte,
stevie

[Jack Daw]

<< I also use it to cut duct tape, which I use for various purposes at Highland games. >>

Dare I ask what in particular?

slainte,
stevie

Well, not for the pipes. I use thin-stripped plumber's tape for the chanter holes, if needed, and I cut pieces using my sgian dhu.

[The Kilted Reverend]

I am a newbie here so I don't know about all the rules but I think your comfort and preferences are the best guide.

TKR

[ChattanCat]

I too prefer a functional knife. I look for Nowill knives, usually under $100. Sometimes you can find the for $14-$30 on the bay.

It has been said that if you withdraw your sgian from it's sheath, blood must be spilled. So, be careful where you draw the sgian, it may be your blood. :0