Safety or bladed

[terry m]

What are your thoughts as to a bladed or non bladed safety sgian dubh? It is tucked in the hose after all so is there any need to draw it out?
I am not asking for legal arguments but just for your preference.

[Father Bill]

I keep mine sharp, but that's more habit than anything else.

[Chip]

Personal preference - sharp. I don't see the point (pun not intended) in carrying a dull blade.

I always have a blade on me, usually in the form of a utility tool (currently its a Victorinox SwissTool). I find a reason to use the blade at two or three times a week. I can easily imagine putting a sgian dubh to use for some odd task.

[Panache]

If you don't need or don't wish to carry a sharp blade, instead of a dull bladed sgian dubh that has no use whatsoever*, consider a "sign brew" (bottle opener with a nice handle) or other useful alternative.

That way you get the look of a sgian dubh and are wearing something with at least some purpose instead of just decoration.

Cheers

Jamie



*Yet still is a technically a knife (weapon?) for all intents and purposes

[McMurdo]

I always feel funny wearing a sgian dubh without an edge so for me anyway I prefer a sharp blade.

[McCafferty]

If you don't need or don't wish to carry a sharp blade, instead of a dull bladed sgian dubh that has no use whatsoever*, consider a "sign brew" (bottle opener with a nice handle) or other useful alternative.

That way you get the look of a sgian dubh and are wearing something with at least some purpose instead of just decoration.

Cheers

Jamie



*Yet still is a technically a knife (weapon?) for all intents and purposes

You are correct. Sharpness doesn't matter.
Its important people know the laws on carrying knives/Sgian Dubh wherever they live and keep up to date because things can change without any media coverage.

Different states have different laws on method of carry and length of the blade. It can range for a slap on the hand, a fine to being arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.

[Sir Didymous]

I like a sharp blade as a matter of practical use. If a blade is inappropriate for any reason, I usually omit it all together. The bladeless variety can still be used in a harmful manner, but I will leave it there for risk of breaking the rules. However, recently I found a couple lighters that have been printed with traditional sgian dubh handle patterns. I thought it might be fun to have one of those in my sock as an option to having nothing. Even for a non-smoker like me, the lighter serves a function.

[craigclan]

I always keep a knife on my belt when not kilted and a knife in my sock when kilted . No use carrying something that isn't sharp . Beer has twist off caps so no need for a bottle opener here .

[Tarheel]

A sgain does not have to be a knife at all but an adornment to complete a "Look".

A knife is still a tool and when sharpened, a better tool.

[brewerpaul]

If I wear a sgian dubh it is sharp, if I need to wear a sgian brew I know I can always open a bottle of beer. The sgian brew is used at ren faires that don't allow blades, the sgian dubh is worn the rest of the time, and always is sharp.