Sgian Dubh and the Church

[Standard]

I almost never leave the house without a pocket knife. Let me clarify that by saying to me it is a tool much like a hammer or tape measure and in no way do I consider it to be a weapon. However in this politically correct world some people see any knife, be it an inch long mini swiss army knife or a folding knife with a pocket clip, or heaven forbid a dagger looking sgian dubh as a lethal weapon.

Having never worn my kilt to church I'm not sure how I'd handle this situation. The only reason that I can see to not wear the sgian to church is to respect the other worshipers there. Obviously you don't consider it to be a weapon, but there evidently are those in your congregation who feel it is inapropriate. One of the first axioms is to not intentionally cause offense to your fellow man. This is of course different from someone taking offense when none is intended. A pocket knife tucked into your sporran would still give you a usefull tool without the appearance of going armed to church. Sometimes the end result is not worth the fight. Anyhoo, just my 2 pence for what it's worth.

[Urchurdan]

My old Scout Leader was also the local Church of Scotland Minister, he wore his kilt under his Ministers garb for services, and yes - he wore his sgian dubh.

[Bog Trotter]

Yeah, my sgian is mostly ornamental as is my kilt pin. That's why I carry a pocket knife in my sporran. The boys like my sgian and thinks it cool. Some of the elderly ladies at church will marvel at the kilt and ask about that little black thing in my knee socks (LOL).

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Can't imagine going anywhere without a knife. That's gotten me in trouble in airports when I forgot and had to give one away before security. Now I have one permanently stashed at daughters house so only feel naked during the flight.

I have worn my Sgian to church, but they were mostly kirkin' services so wasn't out of place. If it was causing consternation in others, I'd leave it off, but that's the only reason.

[Cavebear58]

Totally agree with Jock Scot and others that it is perfectly normal to wear a Skian Dhu to church. Personally, I never wear one - I simply don't believe that it is helpful to carry knives, or encourage their being carried, given the nature of society these days.

However, in this picture, you can see HRH Prince Charles leaving church - you'll notice he has one...



Alternatively, if you prefer to wear something but share my view that knives lead to unnecessary deaths, you might wish to carry something else...



Best wishes
Graham

[bigdad1]

My only comment is that you say you wear the sgian dubh out of tradition yet you don't seem to consider traditions of the church. I am not a church goer but was as a youth. I believe that most times in history when men were more likely to be armed in some way, be it sword or six gun, they did not take those weapons into church. It is out of respect to the less warrior type personality and less because the young boys think it is neat. Perhaps those young men should be taught that weapons don't go to church. And a sgian dubh in the sock is not analogous to a pocket knife hidden in a pocket.

[ziggy]

Totally agree with Jock Scot and others that it is perfectly normal to wear a Skian Dhu to church. Personally, I never wear one - I simply don't believe that it is helpful to carry knives, or encourage their being carried, given the nature of society these days.

However, in this picture, you can see HRH Prince Charles leaving church - you'll notice he has one...



Alternatively, if you prefer to wear something but share my view that knives lead to unnecessary deaths, you might wish to carry something else...



Best wishes
Graham

First of all, I love that photo with the toothbrush, that's funny :P Second, anybody which tartan Prince Charles is wearing in that photo? Just out of curiousity...


Anywho, personally I see no problem with wearing a sgian dubh to church. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised that some people object to it, they'd object to far less "objectionable" things i am sure as well...

[McMurdo]

Second, anybody which tartan Prince Charles is wearing in that photo? Just out of curiousity...

That is the Balmoral Tartan. You might like to look at this thread full of photos of Charles wearing kilts.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/p...608/index.html

[BoldHighlander]

Though I wasn't kilted, I just got back from church a while ago, and yes, I had my Cold Steel lock blade tucked into my front pocket.

As I mentioned in another thread on dirks, & echoing what some have said here, I never leave the house without at least a knife on my person. Thats how its been for the past 30 of my 46 yrs, and I don't see no reason to change now.

If I was kilted at church it'd be no different. Part tradition, part personal habit -- & like someone else said, it's whats in my heart

[Marshal Moroni]

First, I always carry a pocket knife or some kind of knife. As part of your attire it is completely correct.

Yet, if people are concerned, it is always appropriate to consider people's feelings.

Wish you well on your kilted journey through life.

Cheers,

Marshal Moroni