To dirk or not to dirk?

**MizzouScotsman** · 10th April 13, 01:47 AM

Having just returned from the Missouri Tartan Day festivities, I have a question about a dirk. I have seen dirks on many a man at these events. I have seen many a man without them. Is it appropriate today to wear a dirk on your belt? My sgian dubh is always in my sock but I have two dirks that I display with our tents period weapons (we give a lecture and demonstration of the historical weapons of the time).

So do I dirk or not? I don't want to look like a person who just slaps something on their belt and look like a novice.

Thanks.

**Downunder Kilt** · 10th April 13, 02:08 AM

If you are not a reenactor, not in court dress or at some other formal occasion where a dirk maybe required, then I think in your tent with your historical display is the best place for them.

**Jock Scot** · 10th April 13, 02:11 AM

Originally Posted by MizzouScotsman

Having just returned from the Missouri Tartan Day festivities, I have a question about a dirk. I have seen dirks on many a man at these events. I have seen many a man without them. Is it appropriate today to wear a dirk on your belt? My sgian dubh is always in my sock but I have two dirks that I display with our tents period weapons (we give a lecture and demonstration of the historical weapons of the time).

So do I dirk or not? I don't want to look like a person who just slaps something on their belt and look like a novice.

Thanks.

Alright through my Scots eyes and assuming that you are not a piper or some such that wears a dirk as part of the "uniform" so a normal civilian kilted look? If so to most Scots eyes you would look like a complete lemon if you wore a dirk. I would also hazard a guess that the local constabulary may also take a very dim view too! Its just shows a complete misunderstanding of how kilt attire works in our eyes. A sgian dubh is not and never has been regarded as a weapon, both by the UK police, and Scots in general-------although, as we know it could be, but then, so could a cricket bat----but a dirk would be regarded as nothing other than a weapon, Burns night for the chap addressing the haggis would be an exception perhaps and quite unsuitable for general civilian wear.

**BCAC** · 10th April 13, 02:41 AM

I have to agree with Jock, here.

No dirk.

Just snigger to yourself when you see the lemons go past.

**rsvpiper** · 10th April 13, 03:38 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Alright through my Scots eyes and assuming that you are not a piper or some such that wears a dirk as part of the "uniform" so a normal civilian kilted look? If so to most Scots eyes you would look like a complete lemon if you wore a dirk. I would also hazard a guess that the local constabulary may also take a very dim view too! Its just shows a complete misunderstanding of how kilt attire works in our eyes. A sgian dubh is not and never has been regarded as a weapon, both by the UK police, and Scots in general-------although, as we know it could be, but then, so could a cricket bat----but a dirk would be regarded as nothing other than a weapon, Burns night for the chap addressing the haggis would be an exception perhaps and quite unsuitable for general civilian wear.

As Jock says

**Chas** · 10th April 13, 03:56 AM

The other thing is practicality. Simply put - it will get in the way. Everything you want to do will cause you to move it out of the way. Till eventually, you decide that you want to move it back on to the table. Try wearing it round the house for a day, couple of meals, sitting , standing, all the usual household chores. It will always be where you don't want it to be.

Regards

Chas

**Tobus** · 10th April 13, 05:14 AM

*** to what Jock said. Aside from ceremonial use or reenactments, a dirk simply isn't part of the modern civilian Highland tradition. When I see a chap wearing one outside of a reenactment/uniform context, it screams "costume".

**Skiballa** · 10th April 13, 05:47 AM

*** from me as well, except as a uniform/ceremonial item. Though as a member of SAMS, it is an expected part of the uniform, I'd tend not to wear it unless I were taking part in a color guard ceremony. The anachronistic, faux "highlander" look is quite common at the games and festivals around my area. It looks funny to my eye.

**JohntheBiker** · 10th April 13, 05:56 AM

You wouldn't wear a sword with non-highland dress. You probably shouldn't wear a dirk with your kilt.

**usonian** · 10th April 13, 09:32 AM

What Jock said. I think there is a temptation for many fellows to go a little overboard when getting into highland dress; it's understandable because there is a certain kind of guy (myself included) who is fascinated by anything that involves lots of bits and bobs and specialized terminology, and there are plenty of retailers happy to sell such a person an all-inclusive deluxe kit with the ghillie brogues, fly plaid, dirk, matching clan crest cap badge, kilt pin, and belt buckle, et cetera. In north America (or the US anyway) there are also romantic pop culture associations with Rob Roy, Braveheart, Highlander etc which I think inspires some men to wear a dirk... I understand the appeal, but IMO outside of a uniformed or ceremonial context a dirk really does look costumey and/or over the top.