Sgian Dubh and the Church

[Bog Trotter]

Since wearing my kilt to church, I've carried my sgian dubh in my hose, out of habit. Some folks have inquired as to why I carry a weapon to church. Of course, I've explained that the Sgian is traditional and more of a utility knife than a weapon, and still I am asked, is it necessary. Now, the minister does not mind, but some folks find it strange. I wear my sgian tucked down inside my hose with only a small portion of the top exposed.My question is this, is it considered proper to wear the sgian dubh to church services? I understand that it's not necessary, but I wear it out of respect for tradition. I appreciate any imput and advice you may have.

[Jock Scot]

It is perfectly acceptable to wear/carry it in church. It would be considered as a complete and utter non issue over here.

[Chas]

It is perfectly acceptable to wear it. It would be considered as a complete and utter non issue over here.

I can not agree more. It is what is in a man's heart that matters, not what he carries on his person or how he chooses to clothe himself.

Regards

Chas

[Bog Trotter]

Thank you Jock, Chas.

[okiwen]

Not only do I wear my sgian to church but when I am not kilted I have a pocket knife and when I am on duty I wear my gun. NO PROBLEM.

[Bog Trotter]

Yes Okiwen, I also carry some type of pocket knife when not kilted, and sometimes at events I'll carry an extra pocket knife in my sporran.

[McFarkus]

I often wear mine to church. I find the kids (boys in particular) are more fascinated by the sgian than by the kilt.

[NewGuise]

My (pacifist) mother has always carried a large pocketknife in her purse, even to (Mennonite) churches, and has certainly had occasion to use it (never as a weapon).

[bricelythgoe]

I was going to say what has been written before. I am not a knife carrier (never have been) so I never wear a Sgian Dubh. However, my father-in-law is a local farmer. He has ALWAYS carried a knife with him his entire life. That includes church. I see no problem with a utility knife in church.

Brice

[Standard]

I almost never leave the house without a pocket knife. Let me clarify that by saying to me it is a tool much like a hammer or tape measure and in no way do I consider it to be a weapon. However in this politically correct world some people see any knife, be it an inch long mini swiss army knife or a folding knife with a pocket clip, or heaven forbid a dagger looking sgian dubh as a lethal weapon.

Having never worn my kilt to church I'm not sure how I'd handle this situation. The only reason that I can see to not wear the sgian to church is to respect the other worshipers there. Obviously you don't consider it to be a weapon, but there evidently are those in your congregation who feel it is inapropriate. One of the first axioms is to not intentionally cause offense to your fellow man. This is of course different from someone taking offense when none is intended. A pocket knife tucked into your sporran would still give you a usefull tool without the appearance of going armed to church. Sometimes the end result is not worth the fight. Anyhoo, just my 2 pence for what it's worth.