When is a dirk appropriate?

[Smitty]

Someone had mentioned in another thread that a dirk ruined an otherwise good casual kilt ensemble that he had seen. From the description of the outfit (traditional kilt with button-down shirt, etc) I agree the dirk would be a little out of place.
However, I don't know when a dirk would be considered appropriate- formal wear? For specific occasions? I'm just not familiar with the conventions of wearing a dirk with a kilt. Any insight or opinions would be much appreciated.

[McMurdo]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

McMurdo is pretty much right on the mark. The civilian exception would when attending a Scottish white tie event, in Highland attire, where the invitation stated "decorations". In this instance the wearing of a dirk would be acceptable (although optional). There is an excellent photograph of the late Sir Iain Moncrieff of that Ilk, taken in the 1960s, at a ball in Scotland. Sir Iain is in wearing the uniform of an officer of the Atholl Highlanders, complete with miniature decorations and dirk (page 174 of SCOTTISH CLANS AND FAMILY NAMES by Roddy Martine). With the exception of the uniform coatee, white tie civilian attire would be virtually identical.

The dirk should not be worn with black tie (even if decorations are worn), nor should it be worn with day wear. The exceptions (of course) are persons in uniform, who must conform to the prescribed regulations concerning the wearing of dirks, feathered bonnets, etc, or those who need it for a theatrical flourish when addressing Mr. Haggis, just before stabbing him!

That said, although only rarely worn, a dirk should have pride of place on the wall next to the plaque displaying your clansman's badge.

[Ancienne Alliance]

Smitty,

I sometime wear a dirk when piping and it looks dashing.

People are in awe. I live in France, mind you.


Best,

Robert

[Jock Scot]

I second what McMurdo and MoR have said. I know this may annoy some people when I say this:" NEVER EVER wear a dirk with civilian kilt day attire, or at black tie events". Civilian pipers may be exceptions and of course military uniforms are under completely different rules.

Alright, I hear some of you say:" to blazes with that, I will wear what I want" and that is fine, if you want to be picked out as someone who does not know the form, then carry on! Just like the chap in Inveraray!

[Smitty]

Many thanks for the insight- exactly the information I was looking for!

[Bruno]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

I have once or twice seen the groom at a wedding wear one to cut the cake or as you say Burns Night, but otherwise not really appropriate for most occasions.

I did see one guy walking round a gold club dinner with a Broad sword, I think he thought he was an extra off Braveheart.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have once or twice seen the groom at a wedding wear one to cut the cake...

Weddings raise the question of the wearing of arms when in a house of worship. Generally speaking arms should not be worn in church-- although it would be a nice touch to cut your wedding cake with your dirk at the reception, after. Especially if it was he same dirk used by your father or grandfather at his wedding! All the more reason to have a dirk, and establish a family tradition.

[Jock Scot]

I am no expert on Burns night traditions, I can't abide haggis and I am afraid that R Burns' words do little for me. However, on the rare occasion that I have gone to a Burns night, the dirk was in place by where the haggis was to be done to death.It was not worn by anyone.

A word of warning to those who have an expensive dirk or sword, do not cut haggis or wedding cakes with them. Unless the blades are cleaned immediately and properly after the event your blade will suffer. I am sure MoR has seen many a ruined blade at Wilkinsons that were used as cake cutters. I certainly have.

[Panache]

Just a thought

It would seem that the Montrose doublet (white tie formal) is really the only type of coatee/doublet that would really work with carrying a dirk. Regulation doublets, Prince Charlie coatees, and Sherrifmuir doublets all lack a belt to hang the dirk from.

I made my dirk and even when doing the "Address of the Haggis" it seemed much easier to simply put the knife and sheath on the table to not spoil the lines of my PC style coatee.


(Jock and MoR I did clean the blade after the speech so no fears! )

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: