The wearing of Sgian Dughs

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

That's briliant...All it's missing is a cigar cutter and lighter!

Ha Ha! I don't think I included a cigar cutter on the prototype, but it did include a few more tools, including a small scissors. All of this was done for trademark and copyright reasons, even though in the practical sense it made the handle far too thick (and heavy) to be useful as a sgian dubh. When Gaelic Themes licensed the design and took over manufacture of the product it was quickly pared down to only two necessary tools; the corkscrew and the combination turn-screw and bottle opener.

The clan badges set into the hilt were designed by Romilly Squire and Gaelic Themes has done a marvelous job in reproducing them.

I am glad to see that a few members seem to like the Officers sgian dubh, and find it a useful tool.

[Lallans]

I was one of those that couldn't post recently, meaning on this string, and so I did think I must be banned (was it the word "kirpan"?), as per the current message on the XM homepage, but I will try one more time. Ahem.

I've always thought of the sgian dubh as a sort of a Celtic kirpan, a visible sign that one is a potential warrior and therefore a free citizen. Sgians are pretty well tolerated in my native Canada and so are about the last such things we have. But as soon as someone in government notices, they will probably be gone too. Or 'registered' and then 'restricted' and then 'prohibited'- that way you get to spend more money and hire more underlings.

If this one doesn't post, that's it for me. My fingers can only take so much.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Actually the modern sgian dubh is nothing more than a gussied up, mid-19th century, Highland skinning knife. It is a huntsman's tool not a soldier's weapon-- in fact, with the exception of bandsmen, sgians dubh weren't issued to troops.

Since the kirpan is carried as a religious obligation by observant Sikhs I don't think it's in quite the same category as a sgian dubh-- no matter how "religious" one may be about deer stalking!

[figheadair]

My understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) is that the sgian dubh wasn't a weapon but the equivalent of a pocket-knife, worn in the sock because the kilt lacks pockets.

That doesn't really stack up. The first known example of a sgian dubh is in the c1820 portrait of Alasdair MacDonnel of Glengarry. The origins of the sgian dubh may have its roots during the Proscription period when weapons were forbidden. In this case dubh has nothing to do with being black in colour as often translated but rather the fact that the knife was secreted or hidden. Similarly, a poit dhubh was the term for an illegal still.

[Lallans]

Actually the modern sgian dubh is nothing more than a gussied up, mid-19th century, Highland skinning knife. It is a huntsman's tool not a soldier's weapon-- in fact, with the exception of bandsmen, sgians dubh weren't issued to troops.

Since the kirpan is carried as a religious obligation by observant Sikhs I don't think it's in quite the same category as a sgian dubh-- no matter how "religious" one may be about deer stalking!

Yes but I said "a sort of CELTIC kirpan" and I was talking about what it meant to ME. And if you notice, members of the armed forces, kilted regiments, carry a sgian dubh, or in ceremonial situations, a dirk in the same place. Therefore I believe the SYMBOLISM is good.

I notice others have posted saying they don't like to carry it because it's seen by themselves (or others?) as a weapon, and I am quite sure one would be considered that in a security situation. And it was about the last edged weapon Scots could carry after the Jacobite rebellions which, again to me, settles the matter: they didn't name it the "black knife" because of the handle.

[EDIT: since posting the above I see that I was beaten to the punch on some points by Figheadair. A nod to you, Monsieur!]

[NewGuise]

I am glad to see that a few members seem to like the Officers sgian dubh, and find it a useful tool.

... and I am pleased to discover that you are ultimately responsible for creating the Officer. It is as yet my only sgian dubh and, while I don't wear it often, I am very fond of it.

The one time someone commented negatively on my carrying a "dangerous weapon," I pulled it out, still sheathed, pulled up the corkscrew, and said "wine bottles, beware." He was still laughing as he walked away.

[Woodsheal]

The question of sgians dubh as weapons or utility knives was pretty thoroughly discussed in this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ighlight=sgian

[auld argonian]

The question of sgians dubh as weapons or utility knives was pretty thoroughly discussed in this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ighlight=sgian

It is one of those topics that keeps popping up regularly. I never quite know how to look at it when that happens. On the one hand there are "newbies" who weren't around for the previous discussions and who legitimately need to ask or express their opinions...on the other there is the possibility that the "newbies" could use the SEARCH function to see if the topic has been discussed before. I just figger that it's an inevitability that the sghian dhub thing, the underwear thing, the white hose thing and several others will just keep popping up from time to time. Don't forget that threads that were many months old have been closed with the recent overhaul of the forum due to new management...and so it goes.

Best

AA

[Chas]

It is one of those topics that keeps popping up regularly. I never quite know how to look at it when that happens. On the one hand there are "newbies" who weren't around for the previous discussions and who legitimately need to ask or express their opinions...on the other there is the possibility that the "newbies" could use the SEARCH function to see if the topic has been discussed before. I just figger that it's an inevitability that the sghian dhub thing, the underwear thing, the white hose thing and several others will just keep popping up from time to time. Don't forget that threads that were many months old have been closed with the recent overhaul of the forum due to new management...and so it goes.

Best

AA

Closed but still readable and searchable.

Regards

Chas

[auld argonian]

Closed but still readable and searchable.

Regards

Chas

That's a good thing...I didn't know that they were still accessible, thanks.

Best

AA