I am no expert on Burns night traditions, I can't abide haggis and I am afraid that R Burns' words do little for me. However, on the rare occasion that I have gone to a Burns night, the dirk was in place by where the haggis was to be done to death.It was not worn by anyone.

A word of warning to those who have an expensive dirk or sword, do not cut haggis or wedding cakes with them. Unless the blades are cleaned immediately and properly after the event your blade will suffer. I am sure MoR has seen many a ruined blade at Wilkinsons that were used as cake cutters. I certainly have.