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.

[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.

[azwildcat96]

I only have one and it is decorative in nature (not sharp at all). I do carry a small folding knife in my sporran at all times for when a knife is needed.
The sgian brew is a neat idea, and I plan to make or purchase one in the future.

[SayBurr]

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.

I have a blade however, I think it would come down to where appropriate or your own comfort level.

[Father Bill]

You know, a thought has struck me: The formal sgians that we buy often have lousy blades inasmuch as they flex. I wonder about the older ones. OC Richard would likely know for sure, as would more than a few other members here.

I wonder about the importance of that. Even my Victorinox pocket knife is sturdier than those. Is it because it's merely meant as ceremonial decoration, or because they're just cheapies sold at far too high a price for what they are, or . . .

I'd be interested in murmurs on this topic too with permission of the OP if it's not hijacking the thread and wandering too far off topic.