arm pit knife

[JS Sanders]

An expert on Highlander lore, told me the sgian achlais was worn in a sheath sewn into the upper sleeve. The inner portion of the sleeve closest to your side. You should be able to slide your hand thru the shirt opening to reach it. Can't imagine this being comfortable to wear.

The alternative fashion was to attach the sheath inside the side of your shirt. Again, you reach thru your shirt's opening to grasp the sgian.

The reasoning was that one's arm held naturally at the side would disguise the bulge created by a knife.

Personally, I'd attach inside a coat, jerkin, doublet, etc near my armpit.

There are no known surviving examples of sgian achlais's, only descriptions made by observant outsiders to the Highlands.

Surely most any way you did this with period 'parts' would be authentic.... akin to multiple methods of depriving a feline of its pelage.

Wish I could tell you more, but you now know as much as I do. Hope this makes some sense to you.

Slainte yall,
steve