[billmcc]

Originally Posted by David Thornton

OK, I've come back to this several time, I just have to know. Why is the folder a better tool?

Because of the shape of the folder's blade, which is personal preference. A variety of blade and handle styles are available in a folding knife.

[JamieKerr]

Originally Posted by Matthew Siegmann

I know some people don't consider it a weapon, but it still is a blade.

I never wear one, and I've only ever had one person in 7 years comment on that accoutrement missing from my ensemble. I will also add that you should always know what your local weapons laws are. Whether or not you view your sgian as a weapon is 100% irrelevant. What is relevant is what your local laws have to say, as that is what's going to potentially get you in trouble. And as others have said, if you don't want to wear one...don't!

[Old Hippie]

Originally Posted by Howard Clark

Robert, check out this vegetable peeler. I made it several years ago, for fun. The frame is copper and nickel mokume gane, the blade is tight twist pattern welded steel.

Wow!

I like that!

Mind you, I'm not usually equipped to handle rogue potatoes when I'm out and about wearing a kilt but if being attacked by rampaging organic vegetables was a factor in my threat assessment I'd sure want a nice peeler like that one to deal with them.

I really like to see things like that -- something that someone went all out on, that is so far beyond elegant that it embodies a certain beauty all its own. Things like that take you right inside the maker's head and tell you a lot about their world view and philosophy. I could look at it and turn it over in my hands for hours.

To the original poster's topic: It's a matter of your own comfort, as you really have nothing to prove to anyone. I get a lot of pleasure from looking at the wide variety of sgians dubh as well as the incredible ingenuity represented by "sgian don't," "sgian brew," "sgian shoe," and other creative approaches to the question of what to stick in your hose to look authentic.

As a lifelong iconoclast and professional bad influence, I get a lot of joy out of seeing what people do.

[Matthew Siegmann]

Originally Posted by HeathBar

Just curious if the people making these comments to you are in the Scottish community or are they ordinary citizens?

The people that comment on the sgian dugh missing tend to be women (about 70% of the time). Out of both the men and women whe say something, none I've ever seen wear a tartan (the men I've never seen kilted), but they have Scottish ancestory and they make it a point to tell me so. An example of what is usually said goes something like this:

"Where's your sgian dugh?"
"I don't wish to wear one."
"Well you're not properly dressed then."
"That's okay."
"Well my ancestors came from Scotland and my last name is ____ and I know for a fact that if you're kilted you supposed to wear one."

The thing is I probably shouldn't engage in conversation with these people, but I don't want to be rude, no matter how rude they may be.

[HeathBar]

Originally Posted by Matthew Siegmann

The people that comment on the sgian dugh missing tend to be women (about 70% of the time). Out of both the men and women whe say something, none I've ever seen wear a tartan (the men I've never seen kilted), but they have Scottish ancestory and they make it a point to tell me so. An example of what is usually said goes something like this:

"Where's your sgian dugh?"
"I don't wish to wear one."
"Well you're not properly dressed then."
"That's okay."
"Well my ancestors came from Scotland and my last name is ____ and I know for a fact that if you're kilted you supposed to wear one."

The thing is I probably shouldn't engage in conversation with these people, but I don't want to be rude, no matter how rude they may be.

And these are probably the same people who believe all the tartan myths and mysterys and tell them to every kilt wearer they see. My favorite is the one about red lines in tartans mean a royal line in the clan. You could always tell them "I left it in my other sock" or "It broke the last time I gutted a haggis". Or you could go into a long speal about how there are so many different kinds with so many different handles and the different types of blades and the different levels of formality. Eventually they lose interest and never bother you about it again.

[Santa Kona]

Some of The Clan Claus Santa's follow in my foot steps and instead of the wearing of Sgian Dughs. They use Candy Canes in there hose.

[ForresterModern]

Originally Posted by Matthew Siegmann

The people that comment on the sgian dugh missing tend to be women (about 70% of the time). Out of both the men and women whe say something, none I've ever seen wear a tartan (the men I've never seen kilted), but they have Scottish ancestory and they make it a point to tell me so. An example of what is usually said goes something like this:

"Where's your sgian dugh?"
"I don't wish to wear one."
"Well you're not properly dressed then."
"That's okay."
"Well my ancestors came from Scotland and my last name is ____ and I know for a fact that if you're kilted you supposed to wear one."

The thing is I probably shouldn't engage in conversation with these people, but I don't want to be rude, no matter how rude they may be.

When I encounter this kind of absurd situation I always remember the old adage that if "Ignorance is Bliss" these must be very happy people. Always makes me feel warm inside. (and just a little bit superior sometimes).

jeff

[Tobus]

Maybe a good way to shut the 70% females up about being "properly dressed" is to change the subject and tell 'em you're wearing your kilt regimental style and you would be more than happy for them to verify it. You know... since they're so concerned about whether you're wearing it right and all.

[MacBean]

99% of all such comments aren't really questions at all. They, like children, just try to engage you in conversation but don't know how to do that without asking silly questions. A reasonable answer would be to express delight that they know about the knives, and go on to tell them where you got the kilt, something about the tartan, etc. They just want to talk with you.

I'm new to this, but have been asked the same question, and others such as "Is that authentic?" (leading to a long conversation about Diana Gabaldon) and ending with "OK, go drink your whisky or whatever."

[Tobus]

(leading to a long conversation about Diana Gabaldon)

LOL. Be sure to tell them that they can't take a sgian dubh through the stones. Unless, of course, it has a gemstone in the handle.