When is a dirk appropriate?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Jamie,
I have to agree with you about the belt over the waistcoat thing-- In this instance Lord Mansfield is wearing his uniform as an officer of the Atholl Highlanders, and that's how they do it. If one just had to show off his belt plate then this would be acceptable civilian attire, but preferable attire would have the dirk worn suspended from a small belt fastened beneath the waistcoat. A much tidier look in my opinion.

I suspect the hilt of Mansfield's dirk is tucked under his jacket to prevent it getting in the way while dancing. Judging by its looks that particular dirk has seen some hard knocks!

[Panache]

I suspect the hilt of Mansfield's dirk is tucked under his jacket to prevent it getting in the way while dancing. Judging by its looks that particular dirk has seen some hard knocks!

MoR,

I will not argue if it is the norm, at least with the military, to wear a dirk while dancing. However it seems a bad idea. Just like we move our sporrans to our hip when dancing it would seem sensible to give one's dagger to a friend or subordinate to care for while dancing with a lovely lady.

All manner of things come to mind when thinking about dancing with a dagger bouncing away at one's side. A Mae West quotation would certainly be the least of one's worries!

Any idea on Lord George Douglas-Hamilton's doublet?

Cheers


Jamie :ootd:

[Woodsheal]

I tend to agree with the "rules" or conventions stated here regarding dirk-wearing, when the dirk in question looks like this:



...but, what about a simpler, historic-type dirk (without all of the silver mounts and gemstones)? Would not a dirk like the one below look OK with a smart, tweed jacket & vest day-wear ensemble? I've never done so, only having worn it with period garb. But, I have toyed with the idea...!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I tend to agree with the "rules" or conventions stated here regarding dirk-wearing, when the dirk in question looks like this:



...but, what about a simpler, historic-type dirk (without all of the silver mounts and gemstones)? Would not a dirk like the one below look OK with a smart, tweed jacket & vest day-wear ensemble? I've never done so, only having worn it with period garb. But, I have toyed with the idea...!

I suppose it's all down to a matter of taste (and that top dirk is a very tasty item), but I always find it faintly amusing when I see a gentleman in day wear attire sporting a dirk. To me it always looks as if he is trying just a bit too hard to look "Scottish".

Before strapping on a dirk with one's tweeds, I suppose one might ask the question, "What am I apt to be doing today that might require I have a stout 18-inch dagger at my side?" If the answer doesn't immediately pop into one's mind, then I suppose it might be a good idea to forgo the theatricality of the thing and leave the dirk at home on the sideboard, next to the ram's head snuff mull.

[St. Amish]

Before strapping on a dirk with one's tweeds, I suppose one might ask the question, "What am I apt to be doing today that might require I have a stout 18-inch dagger at my side?" If the answer doesn't immediately pop into one's mind, then I suppose it might be a good idea to forgo the theatricality of the thing and leave the dirk at home on the sideboard, next to the ram's head snuff mull.

If that's the rule, then the sgian dubh is out, too, because I rarely have occasion to draw a 4 inch knife with a dull, ornamental blade whilst kilted.

[Panache]

If that's the rule, then the sgian dubh is out, too, because I rarely have occasion to draw a 4 inch knife with a dull, ornamental blade whilst kilted.

But a small knife stuck in one's sock is standard and accepted ornament for highland attire, both day and evening wear. Its size makes it convenient to carry.

The dirk on the other hand is generally only worn with formal and/or ceremonial garb. Its size is somewhat cumbersome and awkward.

Personally I find myself more often than not either not wearing a sgian dubh at all or wearing a "sgian don't" bottle cap opener. Because one must be ever wary of some cold tasty dark beer that could strike at any moment!*

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:





* I am ever the optimist

[davedove]

Because one must be ever wary of some cold tasty dark beer that could strike at any moment!

That's the same reason I have a corkscrew on my pocket knife. One never knows when he will have to deal with a rogue chardonnay.

[JRB]

If that's the rule, then the sgian dubh is out, too, because I rarely have occasion to draw a 4 inch knife with a dull, ornamental blade whilst kilted.

Funny, all my sgian dubhs are very sharp and serviceable. I don't wear a fake knife for any reason. And I find that my sgian dubh comes in handy for many little tasks, the kind for which one might us a pocket knife. My dirk is just as serviceable and sharp (again, I don't own fake knives) but I never have the need to carry or much less use it. Dirks were designed to kill people. Period. They're most likely very good at their job but that's all they're good for. A sgian dubh on the other hand can be put to use very nicely in modern society without running afoul of the local constabulary.

[St. Amish]

Funny, all my sgian dubhs are very sharp and serviceable. I don't wear a fake knife for any reason. And I find that my sgian dubh comes in handy for many little tasks, the kind for which one might us a pocket knife. My dirk is just as serviceable and sharp (again, I don't own fake knives) but I never have the need to carry or much less use it. Dirks were designed to kill people. Period. They're most likely very good at their job but that's all they're good for. A sgian dubh on the other hand can be put to use very nicely in modern society without running afoul of the local constabulary.

Not that my sgian can't be sharpened, more that I haven't done it. I don't see pulling a very expensive knife out of my sock, removing the sweat-soaked leather, and then using it to cut off a corner of cheddar.

My dirk is carbon-stainless, very sharp. Have nicked the thumb several times with it.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

If that's the rule, then the sgian dubh is out, too, because I rarely have occasion to draw a 4 inch knife with a dull, ornamental blade whilst kilted.

I should point out that the only time you will need your sgian dubh is when you don't have it.