Functional Sgian

**nagod** · 11th April 10, 03:35 PM

sgian dubh are knives than can serve ornamental purposes,but i will not wear one just as a nonusable ornament.my knives can be used for cutting and slicing and arent just jewelry.

**Geoff Withnell** · 11th April 10, 07:04 PM

I carry a functional sgian, because I always carry a functional knife, not as a weapon, but a tool. That given, the laws in the USA vary considerably from state to state. In my home state, open carry of firearms is forbidden, but open carry of other weapons is legal if not done in a violent or threatening manner. (I am not a lawyer, so this advice is worth what you are paying for it). With the handle visible sticking out of the hose top, this is a non violent open carry, and perfectly legal.

Geoff Withnell

**thescot** · 11th April 10, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by skauwt

with knives being illegal in the UK carrying a functional knife around with you can lead to a jail sentence in most cases
so for UK folk a proper sgian dubh is purely ornamental

Does that mean that you can carry a sgian or that you can't? Or that you can carry one as long as you don't use it? Or as long as it's not functional?

I am not being cute, I am seriously confused.

I carry a functional sgian all the time, and I use it for the things that I would use a pocket knife for. I always carry a pocket knife when not kilted.

**Downunder Kilt** · 11th April 10, 07:20 PM

I have, which was advertised, as an officers sgian dubh, which has a standard bottle opener, a wine bottle opener and a screwdriver, all within the handle and a stainless steel edged blade. I find it usefull at balls and the like to open wine bottles and used it this last weekend at the local highland games to cut a piece of plastic for covering up when a downpour occured

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 11th April 10, 07:40 PM

THE OFFICER sgian dubh by Gaelic Themes is probably the most functional sgian dubh readily accessible on the open market. Undoubtedly it's greatest attribute is its wide, full length tang, making it one of the strongest (if not the strongest) sgians dubh available.

**skauwt** · 11th April 10, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by thescot

Does that mean that you can carry a sgian or that you can't? Or that you can carry one as long as you don't use it? Or as long as it's not functional?

I am not being cute, I am seriously confused.

I carry a functional sgian all the time, and I use it for the things that I would use a pocket knife for. I always carry a pocket knife when not kilted.

apoligies for the confusion

i can carry a perfectly functional sgian but its got to stay in its sheath and prevably in the kilt hose at all times while out and about ..
..and indoors be used in a manor non threatening eg open a letter or cut a piece of string, chop a haggis but other than that its just a item of traditional wear

**Downunder Kilt** · 11th April 10, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

THE OFFICER sgian dubh by Gaelic Themes is probably the most functional sgian dubh readily accessible on the open market. Undoubtedly it's greatest attribute is its wide, full length tang, making it one of the strongest (if not the strongest) sgians dubh available.

Yes that is the one. I could not remember whom it was made by. Thanks for reminding me. I purchased it from the StKilda Retail Group rep here in Australia

**Micric** · 12th April 10, 06:42 AM

I have my one and only Sgian dubh about two-thirds made!
It'll be properly functional, and hopefully wearable for all occasions....if I can get it looking dressy enough for dress, and 'undressy' enough for day-wear!!

Wouldn't carry a mere ornament though.....