When is a dirk appropriate?

[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.

[JSFMACLJR]

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. .

No? That is what I use mine for most often: cutting cheese and fruit. Comes in handy, too, for cutting bits of string, removing staples, and opening envelopes.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

No? That is what I use mine for most often: cutting cheese and fruit. Comes in handy, too, for cutting bits of string, removing staples, and opening envelopes.

Couldn't agree more. A decent sgian dubh is just the thing for attacking the cheese-- if, unlike St. Amish , you don't sweat like a field hand you should still casually wipe the blade of your sgian dubh before using it on the cheddar... that's just common courtesy. (Of course, it also lets you make a bit of a show out of producing your sgian dubh, which really gets up the noses of those blokes in trousers who've been jealously sneering at your kilt all evening.)

[Jock Scot]

Couldn't agree more. A decent sgian dubh is just the thing for attacking the cheese-- if, unlike St. Amish , you don't sweat like a field hand you should still casually wipe the blade of your sgian dubh before using it on the cheddar... that's just common courtesy. (Of course, it also lets you make a bit of a show out of producing your sgian dubh, which really gets up the noses of those blokes in trousers who've been jealously sneering at your kilt all evening.)

Absolutely. If you are wearing a sgian dubh as just an ornamant, then just don't bother with it. If you are carrying one as a potential weapon, then most certainly don't bother. If you are wearing one with a dull blade, then don't bother. If you are wearing one with a keen blade and use it for those little jobs that turn up in life , then do bother.

[Ancienne Alliance]

Absolutely. If you are wearing a sgian dubh as just an ornamant, then just don't bother with it. If you are carrying one as a potential weapon, then most certainly don't bother. If you are wearing one with a dull blade, then don't bother. If you are wearing one with a keen blade and use it for those little jobs that turn up in life , then do bother.

Dear Jock,

I just love how good you are at sythesizing information.

Truly an art.


Best,

Robert

[BoldHighlander]

For the past 30 years I rarely leave the house without some form of knife on my person. I have used one from everything to cutting radiator hoses in a junk yard to the very act of self defense.

All my knives, including my choice in sgian dubh's are functional. I just can't bring myself to own a knife that is not.

On the topic of this thread (dirks), other than wearing one for a living history demonstration, or some sort of ceremony; I would consider strapping a Cold Steel version on my person if I were hiking in certain areas around here where big cats have been spotted (not to mention certain other -- "two legged" -- vermin ). However if that be the case, then I'm more than likely packing my Randall model 1 that I had made when I entered the service anyways.

[Am Bàrd]

All my knives, including my choice in sgian dubh's are functional. I just can't bring myself to own a knife that is not.

Same here - if I have a blade, it's functional.

On the topic of this thread (dirks), other than wearing one for a living history demonstration, or some sort of ceremony; I would consider strapping a Cold Steel version on my person if I were hiking in certain areas around here where big cats have been spotted (not to mention certain other -- "two legged" -- vermin ). However if that be the case, then I'm more than likely packing my Randall model 1 that I had made when I entered the service anyways.

I think this is a valid use as well - when hiking I try to keep a good, sizable blade at hand (though it's usually just my 5" hunting knife when I'm going locally) because you never know when you might need a larger one - I've had need a few times when camping as well.