Protecting Kilt Hose from Sgian Dubh Damage.

[McCracken140]

I always found that the scabbard on my sgian was a very tight fit on the blade. If I tried to draw the sgian, the whole thing would come out of my hose instead of just the blade. My garters couldn’t hold the scabbard tight enough. So, I just glued a couple narrow pieces of the ‘hook’ piece of Velcro to the scabbard side that faces the hose. Now, I don’t have that problem, and the blade is still very secure in the scabbard.

[Highland Logan]

I always found that the scabbard on my sgian was a very tight fit on the blade. If I tried to draw the sgian, the whole thing would come out of my hose instead of just the blade. My garters couldn’t hold the scabbard tight enough. So, I just glued a couple narrow pieces of the ‘hook’ piece of Velcro to the scabbard side that faces the hose. Now, I don’t have that problem, and the blade is still very secure in the scabbard.

Leather? Place in water, wedge in object, such as butter knife etc., which is slightly.. and I do mean slightly, to stretch the leather. Let dry naturally. Problem solved. Stretched too much? Soak, replace sgian, apply heat from a low heat source, such as a hair dryer. Best in a box to capture the heat, allowing you to not use direct heat. Feels tighter? Still warm? Place to the side to continue drying naturally.

As example above, no need to mod your kit.

Frank

[McCracken140]

Leather?

Frank

No, while it’s still ‘made in Scotland’ it’s all just cheap plastic. Although I was able to grind a decent edge on the blunt blade, if I do say so myself.

I’m of the opinion a sgian should be practical or not worn at all. What’s the point of a dull knife, or worse a knife with no blade?
Not to say I don’t appreciate the ornate decorations of some. But I think, if you’re carry a blade it ought to be useful to be justified. This also means that I should be able to draw it in a pinch without any fooling about.


🎵🎵 I want to pull it out
Most certainly without
Any dumb fooling about 🎵🎵

Sorry for the slight thread derail lol

[Dr Bee]

This is an issue which I have long thought could crop up sooner or later and I my first thought has always been that if a sgian or its sheath can damage my hose then its just as likely to damage my leg. I have a small collection of sgians - all with polished horn or wood hilts and my most recent purchase was not from the usual sources but from a Sheffield knife-maker. The quality of the leather sheath that came with this sgian is impressive - heavy thick leather, sturdily stitched, and gripping the blade reassuringly firmly. This made me realize that the sheath on my oldest sgian was now in comparison more akin to an old sock. By coincidence the blades were of identical size and shape and the Sheffield company were happy to sell me another sheath for my old sgian - I feel secure again.

Another sgian of mine is similar to the one shown above by OC Richard - it has a scabbard of polished horn with sterling silver fittings and it has some kind of internal mechanism which retains the blade. In addition to cleaning it receives a close inspection for any rough edges or little barbs every time I wear it as I wish damage neither to hose nor to leg. However, as OC points out, it can be worn with a plain leather sheath - who's going to know?

It's worth re-emphasizing some points made by others - a sgian hilt should be shaped to lie flat against the leg. The garter should be gripping the hilt, not the sheath and the sheath should grip the blade tightly otherwise they most certainly will part company with the sgian flying out (to become lost) or the sheath dropping down inside your hose in which case a surgeon might be required to repair your leg.

[Highland Logan]

No, while it’s still ‘made in Scotland’ it’s all just cheap plastic. Although I was able to grind a decent edge on the blunt blade, if I do say so myself.

I’m of the opinion a sgian should be practical or not worn at all. What’s the point of a dull knife, or worse a knife with no blade?
Not to say I don’t appreciate the ornate decorations of some. But I think, if you’re carry a blade it ought to be useful to be justified. This also means that I should be able to draw it in a pinch without any fooling about.


🎵🎵 I want to pull it out
Most certainly without
Any dumb fooling about 🎵🎵

Sorry for the slight thread derail lol

Just remember, this is supposed to be a utility knife, the equivalent of the pocket knife or jack knife. I've never had a need to ".. should be able to draw it in a pinch without any fooling about". I'm sure this is just a phrasing issue. But it's 2019; this board is pretty strict on certain talk and topics; and folks in Scottish dress have been in trouble with the law in Canada for wearing a sgian in public. No one needs to draw a strictly ceremonial blade "in a pinch".

Frank

[McCracken140]

Just remember, this is supposed to be a utility knife, the equivalent of the pocket knife or jack knife. I've never had a need to ".. should be able to draw it in a pinch without any fooling about". I'm sure this is just a phrasing issue. But it's 2019; this board is pretty strict on certain talk and topics; and folks in Scottish dress have been in trouble with the law in Canada for wearing a sgian in public. No one needs to draw a strictly ceremonial blade "in a pinch".

Frank

That’s where we differ, I see no utility in a ‘strictly ceremonial’ blade. A pocket knife or jack knife is meant to be used in practical situations.

To be sure I was not referring to pulling a knife on somebody.

[Me cousin Jack]

Darn hose!

[Highland Logan]

No offence is intended, or implied.

Frank

[McCracken140]

No offence is intended, or implied.

Frank

None taken!

[Crazy Dave]

Just remember, this is supposed to be a utility knife, the equivalent of the pocket knife or jack knife. I've never had a need to ".. should be able to draw it in a pinch without any fooling about". I'm sure this is just a phrasing issue. But it's 2019; this board is pretty strict on certain talk and topics; and folks in Scottish dress have been in trouble with the law in Canada for wearing a sgian in public. No one needs to draw a strictly ceremonial blade "in a pinch".

Frank

My grandson was asking me about defending myself with a sgian dubh when I was wearing my kilt with all the accessories. I told him that I'm better with my hands and would not take the time to pull the sgian. I know some people frown upon them here, but I usually wear a fake resin one. I just don't need the hassle.

Dave