The sgian as a weapon for fighting

[Woodsheal]

Thanks Brian, that's my understanding also.

REALLY nice sgian achais, by the way -- who made it, if I may ask?

That's one of Glenn McClain's little gems! He also made me a very sweet ca. 1680's dirk....

[Micric]

Woodshiel,

When I saw it I Knew it had to be Glenn's work! Very bonny indeed!

[Mark E.]

Sgians of the past may have taken different forms/sizes of the largely symbolic ones of today. I carry a largish dirk that is pretty specific to a fighting knife-both offensive as well as defensive. Having used my sgian for utility purposes...It could be a weapon, but would be largely offense, in combination with extreme close quarters combat. Look to the martial arts that utilize one-arm maneuvers-they would leave the other hand open for blade work. Also, remember, knife fighting is largely anatomy based-big or small opponents, some features are pretty much the same-femoral artery, tendon location inside the joints, jugular-all very reachable, even with a shorter blade.

[Dale Seago]

Sgians of the past may have taken different forms/sizes of the largely symbolic ones of today. I carry a largish dirk that is pretty specific to a fighting knife-both offensive as well as defensive. Having used my sgian for utility purposes...It could be a weapon, but would be largely offense, in combination with extreme close quarters combat. Look to the martial arts that utilize one-arm maneuvers-they would leave the other hand open for blade work. Also, remember, knife fighting is largely anatomy based-big or small opponents, some features are pretty much the same-femoral artery, tendon location inside the joints, jugular-all very reachable, even with a shorter blade.

Yes indeedy. The brachial artery is another goodie, and the subclavian artery behind the collarbone is close enough to the surface to be easily reached with a sgian dubh.

CDNSushi, since you're in Japan you should have some good options, particularly among older jujutsu systems -- they tend to mix empty-hand and weapons methods.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Sgians of the past may have taken different forms/sizes of the largely symbolic ones of today.

Not really. Aside from having morphed from a strictly utilitarian skinning tool into an affectation of hunting prowess, neither the size nor shape of the sgian dubh has changed significantly in the last 150-200 years. It is what it is, despite the efforts of some to turn it into some sort of Scottish ninja commando dagger.

[Cygnus]

...Scottish ninja commando dagger.

Haha! You should trademark that! I have little doubt you'd have a long line to your tent at most US Scottish Festivals!

[CDNSushi]

CDNSushi, since you're in Japan you should have some good options, particularly among older jujutsu systems -- they tend to mix empty-hand and weapons methods.

You're probably right -- but unfortunately in my study of martial arts, I specialized early and have had no real desire to expand beyond my chosen field (Wing Chun kung-fu). I want to avoid being a "jack of all trades but master of none" scenario, mainly. In some ways, it's a bit of a shame as I live in an area where there are rumored to live some of aikido's top masters.

Having said that, I've learned some of the butterfly sword techniques in Wing Chun, which could certainly be adapted for use with dirks or even sgians, although personally, I tend to think it might end up being more of an encumbrance than any good benefit.

[Micric]

I am somewhat surprised at this thread, as a sgian was never meant as an offensive weapon, or a weapon at all for that matter. More a pocket knife for someone with no pockets. It is a small utility /skinning knife,(As M.O R. stated) dressed up and made respectable.
The possibility remains, it Could be used for other purposes,... but so could a cromach or a brick for that matter, and discussing Their roles in defence and offense would be pointless as well.

Best,
R.

[Jock Scot]

Not really. Aside from having morphed from a strictly utilitarian skinning tool into an affectation of hunting prowess, neither the size nor shape of the sgian dubh has changed significantly in the last 150-200 years. It is what it is, despite the efforts of some to turn it into some sort of Scottish ninja commando dagger.

:lol I have been viewing this thread with a mixture of amazement and hilarity and I was trying to think up a suitable reply. Scott you have come up with the perfect words!

[Ryan Ross]

Yeah, thinking of a sgian dubh as a weapon seems odd to me, too. I mean, of course it could be used as an improvised weapon, but so could a pencil... or a kilt hose with a can of Coke in it!

Folks, if you need to carry a weapon that bad, and you think your sgian dubh is the best you can do, fake a limp and start carrying a cane; you'll find that it's an almost infinitely more effective defense tool than even a larger knife would be.