Wearing a Sgian Dubh in SPAIN

[Tarheel]

Thank you for going the extra length and having officers explain the law. Any XMarks members that may be visiting, Spain or any other destination, need to know the limitations on the complete kilt outfit. The sgian I made for my mother in 1974 (that I wear more often than not) would be sorely missed if confiscated by authorities because I didn't know the law.

[ELY]

Thank you for going the extra length and having officers explain the law. Any XMarks members that may be visiting, Spain or any other destination, need to know the limitations on the complete kilt outfit. The sgian I made for my mother in 1974 (that I wear more often than not) would be sorely missed if confiscated by authorities because I didn't know the law.

My pleasure.

Confiscated sgians and bailing out guests kind of doesn't fit our budget!!!

[tpa]

Whilst I would not normally consider taking any sort of sgian dubh abroad, for the cruise formal nights we went on recently, i took a dummy one. Real ones were allowed but had to be handed in on arrival and retrieved solely for the event and returned afterwards. Seemed like too much hassle to me, hence the dummy.

[ThistleDown]

Adhere to the laws, wherever you are, ELY. THCD is not a uniform and the sgian dubh we often wear is not required by tradition. Personal experience: in the three places I call 'home', Scotland, Switzerland and Canada, I wear it within the laws which permit it. In recent years in Egypt, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Mexico and Costa Rica, I left it either in my hotel room or didn't bother to even take it from 'home'.

[LKM]

It all comes down to local laws. While people can travel through the EU the laws still change from place to place and much of Europe has weapon restrictions that shock Americans. I would not expect a problem in Spain, yet I would still look up the laws before going. When in doubt about the local laws, it's best to not carry a real weapon.

One of my sisters had a music tour of Europe years ago and many of the members of her former band (she plays over 20 instruments) purchased knives and swords in Spain just to have them confiscated after they left Spain. From what they found Spain was not as restrictive on weapons as other parts of Europe. This might have changed and she has not said anything to me about weapons on more recent tours, yet she has mentioned needing to leave her reed knives (for adjusting cane reeds on wind instruments) in the US when she goes to some countries.

[ELY]

Adhere to the laws, wherever you are, ELY. THCD is not a uniform and the sgian dubh we often wear is not required by tradition. Personal experience: in the three places I call 'home', Scotland, Switzerland and Canada, I wear it within the laws which permit it. In recent years in Egypt, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Mexico and Costa Rica, I left it either in my hotel room or didn't bother to even take it from 'home'.

I absolutely agree with you TD, hence my going straight to the authorities. I specifically asked about wearing a knife with the "Scottish traditional attire" (A kilt in Spanish is a Scottish skirt ).
If it is part of the traditional outfit of a country, it may be worn as I stated above.

My guests may, if they so wish, bring their sgians. They cannot, however, carry them outside of the venue.

[SunriseEarth]

Adhere to the laws, wherever you are, ELY. THCD is not a uniform and the sgian dubh we often wear is not required by tradition. Personal experience: in the three places I call 'home', Scotland, Switzerland and Canada, I wear it within the laws which permit it. In recent years in Egypt, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Mexico and Costa Rica, I left it either in my hotel room or didn't bother to even take it from 'home'.

When kilted in public, I have been asked a few times where my knife is. And I have replied that, in California, concealed carry of knives isn't permitted. And partial concealment is still considered concealment. I suppose I could buy a fake one, but I'd rather spend money on other accessories at the moment.

[ELY]

Seeing that my post has started a debate travelling with a sgian yes-travelling with a sgian no, I would like to say that I wouldn't bring one along myself, should I have to travel anywhere outside my known country. Here, I know the law and the language. Outside, maybe I don't.

I asked about the law to give my guests the right information, and THEY will choose whether to bring theirs or not. (you know, adults adulting and all that )

I thought to share the info on a forum where it would most probably come in handy.

That's all.

[ibrew4u]

My particular interest in your information is that I hike 500 miles across Spain every couple of years, and always carry pocket knives with me.

No one has ever said 'boo" about me whipping out my knife to slice some bread, cut some cheese, or screw a corked bottle of Rioja wine. My wife does not approve of me cutting the cheese in public, though.

I would hate to be the guy they make an example out of.