Protecting Kilt Hose from Sgian Dubh Damage.

[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

[Tedscanoe]

Not totally trying to de-rail this tread but, to my knowledge, it was only once instance where wearing sgian dubh became a problem for "Canadian" police. It was in Montreal Quebec where the Canadian Black Watch pipe band was playing. BTW, many Quebec police are quite anti-anglo. The courts eventually dropped the charges and returned the sgian dubh to the piper.
I wear a sgian dubh every day as I wear a kilt everyday - regardless of weather. Yes, even in January-February at a minus 20 or lower. Pubs, a theaters (live or movie) restaurants, where-ever. I've never had a problem anywhere in 8 other Canadian provinces. Sorry for the hijack but felt it necessary to come to the aid of my many Canadian Police friends.

Back on track.
I've given up on having metal on scabbards as damage to $30 hose wasn't worth the problem. On two scabbards for two of my favorite sginean I had to round the scabbard tip a tad and on one, added a small strip of fur to the outside of the scabbard that was the same as that on one of my sporrans. The use of a piece of velcro seems so much better! Thanks for the idea.

[ThistleDown]

Thanks, Tedscanoe. The forum was informed and updated on that sad Canadian sgian issue and its resolution, but it's always good to keep in mind polis errors of the past. Better to be safe than sorry, eh? If its a worry then carry your pen knife in your sporran not your sgian in your hose

On subject: it could be that others have had damage done to their hose by silver/brass/copper-encased sheaths, but after all of almost seventy years I've never had a problem. Still and all, if you or anyone is worried about damage then go to a leather sheath if you think that will help, for sure, but keep in mind that steel encased in leather will do just as much damage to wool as will steel encased in brass.

In other words, I think this whole concern is nonsense. I wear hand-knit hose everyday and every day I wear a sgian dubh. Over the years my hose wear out at the toe and the heel and they need to be darned or simply recycled; I have never worn out or recycled a sgian.

[ThistleDown]

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

Yes, I understand your grandson's question, although that would not be asked in most of the world. In Scotland (and elsewhere) there is no fear of personal safety and therefore no thought that the sgian is considered a 'weapon' of offense or defense.