returning a sgian dubh to hose?

[cavscout]

Try a molded sheath. Easy one handed draw and return. No fumbling around and you don't run the risk of stabbing your leg or slashing your hose.

[CDNSushi]

Just curious... As a strictly ornamental feature to kilt attire, is there any reason to remove and replace a sgian dubh (blade without sheath) frequently enough to be a problem? Unless you have a very nice one (maybe a damascus steel blade, or some sort of engraving) and enjoy sharing it with others? I understand that many are sold with a dull blade, making it useless for cutting anything.

This.

And if it really is so nice that I wish to show it to others, I'd probably show it with the sheath as well and remove both and replace both.

[Tobus]

Just curious... As a strictly ornamental feature to kilt attire, is there any reason to remove and replace a sgian dubh (blade without sheath) frequently enough to be a problem? Unless you have a very nice one (maybe a damascus steel blade, or some sort of engraving) and enjoy sharing it with others? I understand that many are sold with a dull blade, making it useless for cutting anything.

I have no use for a knife that isn't sharp. An "ornamental" sgian dubh means it's part of a "costume". I don't wear my kilt as a costume, and my sgian dubh is sharp. I carry a pocket knife all the time when I'm wearing p@nts (and use it at least half a dozen times a day for various functions); since there isn't any way to carry it with a kilt, the sgian dubh fills its role. For me, it's a functional knife. It was sharp when I bought it and it will remain sharpened.

I disagree that the sgian dubh was historically an "ornamental" part of the attire, as historical Highlanders would likely have scoffed at such an idea; they being practical men. Modern Scots may use it only for ornamentation, but that doesn't mean that's the only role it must be relegated to.

[azwildcat96]

Truth be told, I too daily carry some form of cutlery, and it is always razor sharp. My comments about many sgian dubh being sold unsharpened is based on notes from several retail shops/websites claiming that they are sold 'dull' for safety reasons. I sharpen any that I own if it is not sold sharp already.

[Lallans]

As I was taught it, if you can't return the sgian to the sheath without removing it from your hose, you are wearing the whole thing too far down. I believe this was a guideline to discourage what was seen as the improper fashion of wearing the sgian with only the top of the hilt peeping out, suggesting concealment. However that's easy to say unless you're outside at the Games or whatever and walking a lot and your sgian is a sentimental or an expensive one, in which case a deeper carry seems the better part of valour- even if you do have to pull the sheath out to return the knife. And how often is that going to be an issue anyway, and who would notice when it is?

[Lallans]

Truth be told, I too daily carry some form of cutlery, and it is always razor sharp. My comments about many sgian dubh being sold unsharpened is based on notes from several retail shops/websites claiming that they are sold 'dull' for safety reasons. I sharpen any that I own if it is not sold sharp already.

I would say that most sgians are sold dull because they're unsharpenable crap. As far as safety goes, there is nothing more dangerous than a DULL knife, because if you try to use one it will slide off and gash you or a bystander, or your hand will slip down onto the blade, or any one of a dozen other scenarios. It's too bad the sgian dubh as a tool gets so little respect or attention from makers and buyers any more- I blame society.

[Ryan Ross]

I have no use for a knife that isn't sharp. An "ornamental" sgian dubh means it's part of a "costume". I don't wear my kilt as a costume, and my sgian dubh is sharp. I carry a pocket knife all the time when I'm wearing p@nts (and use it at least half a dozen times a day for various functions); since there isn't any way to carry it with a kilt, the sgian dubh fills its role. For me, it's a functional knife. It was sharp when I bought it and it will remain sharpened.

Amen to that, sir; I feel naked withought a good, useful blade on me. That said, I tend to carry a folder, rather than a sgian dubh, quite frequently, and have found this method really convenient:



Note: Not sure why I've been chiming in on all these sgian dubh questions lately, and I'm even more in the dark as to why I've been so keen on illustrating my points with pictures. Heh..

[cavscout]

I've done similar with my sgian dubh at times when a visible weapon could cause a stir. I'll pull it from my hose and tuck securely in the waist of by kilt, still within easy access.

[Ryan Ross]

I've done similar with my sgian dubh at times when a visible weapon could cause a stir. I'll pull it from my hose and tuck securely in the waist of by kilt, still within easy access.

Yep, a buddy of mine does that frequently, and I've always thought it seemed like a prudent solution... in regards to your earlier comment on molded sheaths, do you know if anyone has put up a tutorial on making them, or some such? I've been thinking it would be just the thing for my McRae sgian.

[cavscout]

I'm not aware of a "tutorial". I jsut sort of worked it out from scouring the internet. Learned a lot by reading about how leather armorers make their molded armor. It's basically just soaking the leather, molding it around the knife and letting it dry. Some use water, others use alcohol and probably other liquids for soaking. Armorers will bake the leather in the oven to make it harder.

This is the one I made (on right) to replace the stock sheath (on left) that came with my top-heavy Officers sgian dubh.


and how it stays open for easy draw and return without slashing me or my hose