When is a dirk appropriate?

[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.