Sgian Dubh for Youth

**SgtKmack** · 6th August 09, 12:00 AM

My five year old enjoys his Stillwater kilt but to keep him interested we watch Highland games on Youtube now and then and check out web site too. He was very excited about kilt pins in the form of swords and battle axes

. I have yet introduced him to the sgian dubh but I know he would love it..but..is it proper for a five year old? If so does anyone make a fake one for youths?

**SFCRick** · 6th August 09, 12:21 AM

They do make fake youth ones

**MacKay71 Wife** · 6th August 09, 02:04 AM

If you do any woodworking at all, why don't you try your hand at making your own? My husband has made several that are out of one piece of wood and are jokingly called a "sgian don't". I'll get him to post some pictures for you! Something like this would be more appropriate for a child and could be made with his name, family crest, etc. to still make it memorable and special for him.

**slohairt** · 6th August 09, 08:58 AM

There are two types available for youth: A one piece of moulded plastic, or a smaller model with a metal blade that is dull and rounded at the tip.

**MacKee** · 29th August 09, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by slohairt

There are two types available for youth: A one piece of moulded plastic, or a smaller model with a metal blade that is dull and rounded at the tip.

Do you know where I can find the smaller model with a metal blade that is dull and rounded at the tip in the USA?

**slohairt** · 29th August 09, 05:29 PM

In the USA? I have no idea, but I could order one for you if you like. PM me for details.

**okiwen** · 4th September 09, 10:03 AM

Why on earth would you deprive him of the opportunity to show how much of a man he has become? Give him a real knife and show him how to use it and care for it. Impress upon him that this is only for "big boys" and watch that he will measure up to the standards expected.

I gave all five of my kids pocket knives very early and the boys I would test them by asking to use their knife periodically. If they didn't have it I would quip "what kinda man doesn't have a knife?" None have failed me; and when the inevitable cut occures they quietly care for themselves not wanting to admit that they have done something dumb that they knew better.

Just like it used to be in the good old days when we raised them to be men not boys for life.

(off soap box)

K

**Marshal Moroni** · 6th September 09, 09:19 PM

I love knives, all kinds all sizes, but 5 years old is a bit young, IMHO. When it came to my children (both boys and girls) they got their first real knives at about 12. When they could earn the privilege.

I like the idea of giving him something similar, and have been thinking up possible sgian don'ts myself, how about a comb with an antler handle. Looks good in the hose, and not likely to be any trouble when it comes out of the hose.

Just a thought.... Cheers,

Marshal Moroni

**ThistleDown** · 7th September 09, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by Marshal Moroni

I love knives, all kinds all sizes, but 5 years old is a bit young, IMHO. When it came to my children (both boys and girls) they got their first real knives at about 12. When they could earn the privilege.
Marshal Moroni

Hear hear. Respect for the tool comes before its use. The purpose of he sgian for Scots is not dissimilar to that of the folding Buck for North Americans.

**SgtKmack** · 7th September 09, 02:21 AM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Hear hear. The purpose of he sgian for Scots is not dissimilar to that of the folding Buck for North Americans.

That was more of what I was looking for when asked if it was "proper" for a child. I will mostlikely take the advice of making one, his Grandpa is a good wood carver.