When is a dirk appropriate?

[Bruno]

The only time I've ever worn one was for Burns Night and I was doing the Address to the Haggis. Otherwise I'd say it's too much.

I have once or twice seen the groom at a wedding wear one to cut the cake or as you say Burns Night, but otherwise not really appropriate for most occasions.

I did see one guy walking round a gold club dinner with a Broad sword, I think he thought he was an extra off Braveheart.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have once or twice seen the groom at a wedding wear one to cut the cake...

Weddings raise the question of the wearing of arms when in a house of worship. Generally speaking arms should not be worn in church-- although it would be a nice touch to cut your wedding cake with your dirk at the reception, after. Especially if it was he same dirk used by your father or grandfather at his wedding! All the more reason to have a dirk, and establish a family tradition.