When I was CO of a Canadian Highland unit, I wore a dirk as a badge of office, as did my Sergeant-Major. I am not sure if this is a Canadian highland tradition or not, but most of the other highland COs/RSMs also wore dirks with dress uniform and evening wear. Maybe just a quirk.

A dirk is usually worn on the right, since the sword is worn on the left and the dirk was traditionally an off-hand (left hand) weapon, drawn from the scabbard by reaching across the body. The dirk is normally hung from the waist belt but sometimes I just used a kilt strap and dispensed with the belt.

Part of the change of command ceremony was to transfer the dirk to the new Commander for his use during his time in command. In my Regiment, except at perhaps the most formal of events, it would not be proper for anyone except the CO, RSM and certain members of the pipes and drums to wear dirks. So no one else does.

While attending the "Highland Council" in Calgary this year, an informal annual gathering of highland military folks, I did notice a few dirks worn at the formal dinner, and those mostly by former Honorary Colonels, who probably received them as parting gifts. Other than that, not so much.

I certainly enjoyed wearing my dirk but now that I no longer have it, I won't likely replace it with one of my own.