Sgian Dubhs and Dirks

[freddie]

'The rule makers' always say that the sgian dubh should be tucked into the right stocking, but the general retort is 'haven't they heard of left handed people?' As for the dirk, the old prints always show them being worn on the right side. The old Highlanders used to carry their broadswords in their strong hand with the dirk hidden under the targe in the other. They would parry the bayonets with their targe, bring the broadsword down onto the head or shoulders of their opponant and then finish him off with the dirk. Some of the dead Government troops during the Jacobite wars were said to have been cleaved from the top of the head to the breastbone ! I think you should wear your sgian dubh which ever side suits you best, and just have about an inch showing above the stocking top. I always feel that the dirk should only be worn with a plaid, and probably on the right side as the plaid is worn on the left shoulder.

[michael steinrok]

"Never bring a knife to a gun fight." So sayeth the man! I never thoght of cross draw for the dirk. I might give that a try. I always leave the handle sticking all the way out on my sgian.

[Laird Arik]

Swords and such would always be loosened before battle to prevent sticking in the scabbard. Same for a Dirk. A Sgian wouldnt be in the sock for long while doing a mad charge. They were a sassanach invention like the fancey Dirk hilts and the wee kilt. As a utility blade they work fine, and it only takes 1/2 an inch of steel to cut a throat. IMHO

[Bob C]

The sgian dubh goes in the sock on the same side as your primary hand. 1.5 to 2 inches should show.

No, you do not have to wear a dirk. If you do, wear it on the right, to be drawn with your left hand. You right hand is for your Claymore. ;)

[ByDand]

This is what I was taught. The sgian dubh was always a hidden blade, when entering a friends house you would remove the knife from its hiding place to show you were friendly. When you were seated the knife was placed in the top of the stocking by your strong hand. This was done so while seated you could, if required, draw the knife quickly. As for the dirk, I was also taught to keep it on the side of your strong hand. I don't see many people wearing a dirk these days, except for Burns' Nights or other formal Scottish galas. Just my two cents worth.

[David Dalglish]

This is what I was taught. The sgian dubh was always a hidden blade, when entering a friends house you would remove the knife from its hiding place to show you were friendly. When you were seated the knife was placed in the top of the stocking by your strong hand. This was done so while seated you could, if required, draw the knife quickly. As for the dirk, I was also taught to keep it on the side of your strong hand. I don't see many people wearing a dirk these days, except for Burns' Nights or other formal Scottish galas. Just my two cents worth.

This is how you should show your Sgian Dubh I agree with you 100%

[Rab Gordon]

I've always worn the Sgian Dubh on my right side and make them with the edge facing back and handle pattern facing out when worn so it's ready for use when drawn with the right hand.
I make left handed Sgian Dubhs with the blade direction reversed for wearing in the left stocking.

Rab

Sgian Dubhs

[Bil]

"Never bring a knife to a gun fight." So sayeth the man!

That statement always cracks me up. I'm not picking on you for saying it, Michael, so don't take this personal. It's just that it's been proven over and over that an opponent with a knife can cover as much as 21 feet and deploy his weapon before the average trained man/woman can draw their weapon and get on target. Regardless of the fact that I am both a DOJ firearms instructor and a CQC/Counter Assault Tactics instructor, I don't think that it's a wise idea to put one's faith in the almighty sidearm. Even though I have a California CCW and can hence carry concealed at will, I will never think of my firearm as my first or only line of defense against a knife.

That being said, there have been some great recommendations as to how to wear the sgain dubh. As was stated earlier in this thread, it doesn't really matter. When picking its placement you should consider both the aesthetics and the nature of its use. If it is just for show, refer to aesthitics. If for tactical practicality, consider your strengths and weaknesses and wear it accordingly.

[Caradoc]

It's just that it's been proven over and over that an opponent with a knife can cover as much as 21 feet and deploy his weapon before the average trained man/woman can draw their weapon and get on target.

...and anyone who believes otherwise can Google for "Tueller Drill" and check the results.

My opinion stands: the sgian dubh should be worn in the hose for the "strong-handed" side, and only enough of the handle should stick out to be grasped by a thumb and forefinger, or possibly even thumb and two fingers.

The entire handle out and only the blade/sheath in the hose is begging for a lost sgian dubh by the end of your outing.

[Bob C]

The entire handle out and only the blade/sheath in the hose is begging for a lost sgian dubh by the end of your outing.

That might be the best advice in this entire thread.