Most sgians dubh measure 6.5-6.75 inches from the top of the hilt to the point of the blade. Anything longer, or with a hilt wider than 1.125 to 1.25 inches, will not only be awkward to wear, it will most likely be too heavy to stay in place when worn in your hose top.

If you are looking for your first sgian dubh I would suggest that you stick within the guidelines given above as regards size. As to style, I would suggest that you save your pennies and buy a sgian dubh with a genuine stag horn hilt, or save a few more pennies and buy a sterling silver mounted sgian dubh. Both of these are becoming increasingly uncommon, and increasingly expensive. Think of your sgian dubh as an investment... you won't regret it.