sgian direction

[DWFII]

Some sgian dubh blades have a blood groove, and notches on the edge that is not sharpened. I am wondering which side of the handle the sharpened edge is supposed to be on...left or right.

If that's not clear...suppose the sgian was carved on one side of the handle or perhaps it has a silver thistle inlaid in the handle. The carved side would be the presentation side--meant to face outward. Now suppose that the knife was laying on a table (or a piece of tartan), point towards the viewer, and presentation side up. Which side of the knife should the sharpened edge be on?

I've seen them both ways but I'm not sure that it's not important.

[Nick]

If I'm reading this right, the fuller and jimping should be on the right, the edge on the left. When worn in the right hose, the edge will be facing behind. This is assuming the handle is asymetrical as you describe.

[macneighill]

I had a similar question and, didn't know how to word it?? One of the Sgian Dubhs I am purchasing (photo below), is carved on one side and smooth on the other. And, as stated by the originator "DWFII", I also thought the presentation side to be facing outward while in your hose? If so, it would seem that this Sgian is either for a lefthanded individual or, it's backwards all together.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

When placed in the right stocking, point down, the edge faces to the back of the leg. Anything else is a mistake. With sgians made in China, the blades are often put in upside down, which results in the edge facing forward when worn in the right stocking.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Maybe they copied a left handed original. Celts have more left handers than the general population. Before one considers that a handicap, remember, if the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then lefties are the only people in their right minds!

[DWFII]

Thanks guys for the info. That's precisely what I was looking for.

If I'm reading this right, the fuller and jimping should be on the right, the edge on the left. When worn in the right hose, the edge will be facing behind. This is assuming the handle is asymetrical as you describe.