Taking my knives to UK

[Jock Scot]

Q is quite right there are specific exemptions within the UK law for carrying knives(SD's) that are in keeping when wearing national attire. What the Customs Officers may do and think about the dirk is beyond my ken.

Just so you know, unless you are a piper where the dirk may be a part of the uniform, but in normal circumstances the general kilted public in Scotland, including at weddings, formal or not, then the dirk is not worn. Many, most even, here would consider doing so as very odd, regardless of what the UK law might or might not say on that specific matter. I fully agree with Q that it might be best to leave the dirk at home as it might be more trouble than its worth.

[McMurdo]

I'd simply borrow a sgian while there or perhaps purchase one while over and pack it away in your luggage, not carry on for the trip back. Having been lucky enough to have an heirloom quality sgian dubh I would be reticent to travel outside the country with it for fear of it being confiscated and not returned. As for the dirk I would give it a pass.

[Farmer Jones]

Q is quite right there are specific exemptions within the UK law for carrying knives(SD's) that are in keeping when wearing national attire. What the Customs Officers may do and think about the dirk is beyond my ken.

Just so you know, unless you are a piper where the dirk may be a part of the uniform, but in normal circumstances the general kilted public in Scotland, including at weddings, formal or not, then the dirk is not worn. Many, most even, here would consider doing so as very odd, regardless of what the UK law might or might not say on that specific matter. I fully agree with Q that it might be best to leave the dirk at home as it might be more trouble than its worth.

We are a little behind the times in my part of Canada.

[Jock Scot]

We are a little behind the times in my part of Canada.

You must be! Its been the way that I describe above over here for some 70+ years that I know of!

[Father Bill]

Since neither dirks nor sghians are a "required" part of highland dress, frankly, I'd leave them at home. Nobody will notice and you won't have the hassle or worry.

[Dileasgubas]

To my knowledge, there are no restrictions on carrying knives in your checked luggage. I once brought a 3-foot cheese knife back from Europe and did not have any issues with Customs.

Things can go missing from checked luggage, however, and for that reason, I would leave my sgian at home.

Besides, it might be a good excuse to do some shopping while abroad...

[lewtherin]

I just come back from the UK a couple of weeks ago. Ireland, Scotland and England. I didn't realize that there was so much fuss made over knives, When I was at Edinburgh Castle, I seen several men wearing sgians and dirks and I thought they really looked cool with the outfits. Here in Missouri, I have always hunted and did alot of clay pigeon shooting, so I hadn't give it much thought. And I like many, many Americans own and carry pistols. I have transported guns via airplanes many times, but there are proper ways to do this and they much be in checked luggage. But I also noticed that the police officers in the UK were not armed also. I was really surprised by this, but different countries, different customs. In this case, if I were wanting to do this, I would definitely check with the host country before I did anything. Some good advise was given here. But what about fake replica dirks and sgians to rent there. Just a thought

[Michael A]

What about a bottle opener - a sgian brew?

[Farmer Jones]

Curiously enough, since I started to investigate what I may or may not take to the UK with me, I have discovered that my seal skin sporran is not OK there and that it could potentially be seized at the whim of customs officers.

[Jack Daw]

What about a bottle opener - a sgian brew?

This is my preference, too, as I only want to terrorize beer bottles.