Fake vs real dirk.

[Mikewood]

For those that wear a dirk as part of your highland apparel.
Do you have a functional dirk with a sharpened edge or a mild steel display dirk that does not have an edge.
I am looking to make myself one for the local renfest coming up but I don’t have any 1095 blade steel and the forge is broken so I could not temper it if I did have one. I do have a nice piece of mild steel I could use...

I am thinking of making one now and make. Real one later.
I guess I answered my own question.
But what do you have?

[MacRob]

When I do carry a dirk, it is always with day wear and the dirk is a functional, custom made dirk.

[Jock Scot]

Apart from the fact that civilians rarely, carry a dirk in Scotland when wearing the kilt these days, but if they did, I would expect the dirk to be an original, anything else would just be shallow.

[MacRob]

Apart from the fact that civilians rarely, carry a dirk in Scotland when wearing the kilt these days, but if they did, I would expect the dirk to be an original, anything else would just be shallow.

I have carried one at Highland Games in North America since 1983. No one has ever been cut by my dirks, except me (by accident, of course), and they have been a source of interest to others. I do not understand your comment re: "shallow" Jock. Mine was made by Vince Evans and is a custom made, quite expensive, and very attractive knife. Anyway, I would not expect to carry one in Scotland, given the laws and concerns in Great Britain about edged weapons of all kinds.

[FossilHunter]

I have carried one at Highland Games in North America since 1983. No one has ever been cut by my dirks, except me (by accident, of course), and they have been a source of interest to others. I do not understand your comment re: "shallow" Jock. Mine was made by Vince Evans and is a custom made, quite expensive, and very attractive knife. Anyway, I would not expect to carry one in Scotland, given the laws and concerns in Great Britain about edged weapons of all kinds.

I interpreted jock's comment to be a reference to fake knives. I could see how a fake dirk or sgian dubh (like a safety sgian) could be viewed as costume and therefore "shallow." Again, I don't think he was referring to you're post though I cannot speak for him.

In regards to the OP; personally, I would never carry a knife that was not functional. If real knives were banned at a venue or could otherwise cause issues with law enforcement, I would just go without. And if they were permitted and I really desired to carry one, I would just get a nice one and wear it.

In either circumstance, I simply don't see the value of a fake dirk beyond costume.

[FossilHunter]

I guess I should have read the OP more carefully. I do not own or wear a dirk but if I did, I would only want one that was functional.

[Tarheel]

I believe that you have answered your own question Mike. But...

My opinion on wearing a long knife on my belt is, it must be of use (when needed as a tool) and decorative is a plus. A dirk, as part of kilted attire, is not my forte but If I were to wear one, I would want a quality and authentic (as possible) blade.

Weapons (as tools) are appropriate in fewer environments these days and not as common in the public arena.

[Panache]

I strongly suspect that in pretty much every situation a blunt metal dirk will be treated EXACTLY like a sharp metal dirk.


So why bother with one without an edge?

Cheers

Jamie

[tripleblessed]

I strongly suspect that in pretty much every situation a blunt metal dirk will be treated EXACTLY like a sharp metal dirk.


So why bother with one without an edge?

Cheers

Jamie

This sort of question arises periodically. I think Jamie has hit upon the definitive answer.

[CamelCody]

I have a dirk made by the American knife company Cold Steel. I love it, it's sharp out of the box and looks the part. it retails for about $125USD, and has been rigorously tested. I use it all the time, from piping gigs to camping trips. My advice is; get one.