Sgian dubh on the inside

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have just been told on another forum that wearing the sgian on the inside of the leg is some kind of challenge to a fight.

Is this true?

Actually, this is, surprisingly, not a myth. It is


TOTAL HORSE PUCKY!!!

The "myth" is that the sgian dubh is worn in the hose top to show that one has "peaceful intentions". The reality is that the sgian dubh was originally used as a small skinning knife by deer stalkers, and was stuffed into the top of their stocking so they didn't have to grope around on the ground looking for it while gutting or skinning deer. The name "sgian dubh", by the way, is not derived from stealthy concealment or the colour of the handle, but from the fact that the blades of these knives were darkly stained from rough and indifferent use. The wide spread wearing of the sgian dubh as a part of ordinary Highland dress dates mainly from the 19th century.