Carrying a Sgian Dubh

[Tartan Hiker]

Nick, you have PM.

[GlassMan]

I wear mine constantly. It just looks good. And I've had no trouble at all about it. In fact, just this past Friday I was at the JCC in the locker room after my swim & water therapy for my leg and I was changing back into my kilt. Well, a Fairfax County police officer was also changing having finished his lifting. We chatted and he definitely saw me putting my sgian dubh down my sock, and he never said a word about it.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Right, but this is Canada. Though, from what Blu says, it doesn't look to be a problem.

And now, since I'm going to be a law student in three years, I present the statutes:

89.

(1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any ammunition or prohibited ammunition while the person is attending or is on the way to attend a public meeting.

Seems to me that carrying a sgian dubh qualifies as a legal excuse, especially with the precedent set recently regarding the carrying of kirpans. Legal on the grounds that it's a religious thing. Sgian dubhs are a cultural thing.

90. (1) Every person commits an offence who carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition concealed, unless the person is authorized under the Firearms Act to carry it concealed.

Now, I doubt that a sgian dubh would be considered concealed, since you can see part of the handle at all times. Probably not a problem here.

So, the federal government doesn't seem to prohibit it, but I'm not sure about the province. So I think I'll still ask.

[macwilkin]

Check with one of the local police and/or the Divisional Pipe Bands for the RCMP -- if anyone is going to know the skinny on sgain dubhs and the law in Canada, it would be these folks:

http://www.torontopolicepipeband.com/

http://www.rcmppipesanddrums.ca/

Couple of examples for you -- the second link has quite a few other links to other RCMP Divisions accross Canada.

Cheers,

Todd

[The Supreme Canuck]

Ha! Hilariously good find. That'll do, that'll do...

Edit: And done. We'll see shortly, with luck.

[Bob C]

Right, but this is Canada. Though, from what Blu says, it doesn't look to be a problem.

And now, since I'm going to be a law student in three years, I present the statutes:

[b]

Seems to me that carrying a sgian dubh qualifies as a legal excuse, especially with the precedent set recently regarding the carrying of kirpans. Legal on the grounds that it's a religious thing. Sgian dubhs are a cultural thing.

[b]

Now, I doubt that a sgian dubh would be considered concealed, since you can see part of the handle at all times. Probably not a problem here.

So, the federal government doesn't seem to prohibit it, but I'm not sure about the province. So I think I'll still ask.

The application of those statutes to a sgian dubh would depend upon the legal definition of a weapon.

I've asked police officers here in NY and been told that a blade under 4 inches, sharp on only one side, is perfectly legal to carry.

When the non-kilted ask me about it, I tell them it's a pocket knife for those without pockets.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Yeah, a sgian dubh is legally a weapon, so the stautues apply. Doesn't really matter, I e-mailed an RCMP drum major. Hopefully he gets back to me soon.

Oh, and good line, by the way.

[The Wizard of BC]

I have a couple of RCMP customers. Never thought to ask them this question. I'll call Monday and inquire.

[Colin]

I have never worn a dirk, but i have worn a sgian dubh around a number of times and have never had any problems.

[The Supreme Canuck]

And I'm sure I could do the same. I still don't want to break a law by doing so, though. Call me stubborn.