When is a dirk appropriate?

[McMurdo]

It was noted above that the dirk is always to be worn on the right side. I understand that the sgian dubh is also to be worn on the right, but I'm left-handed, and if I have little use for a small pig-sticker in my sock, I have even less use for one in my right sock!

I always wear the sgian dubh on the left, and would likely do the same with a dirk. Is this considered bad form? Or is it, as I have always treated it, nobody's business but my own?

Just to illustrate MacMillian's point, this is my Address to the Haggis from our Burns Night, notice as a left hander I am able to draw the dirk with my left hand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq_w1xElQgk

[Ancienne Alliance]

Just to illustrate MacMillian's point, this is my Address to the Haggis from our Burns Night, notice as a left hander I am able to draw the dirk with my left hand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq_w1xElQgk

Glen,

I've seen many address to the haggis in my life and I must say this is, if not the best, one of the best I've ever seen !

Congratulations !


Best,

Robert

[Phil]

Actually Lord David Douglas-Hamilton is wearing a Sherriffmuir Doublet,

Actually it is a regulation doublet - like this

[macwilkin]

The Regulation Doublet I own is a Prince Charlie Jacket with gauntlet cuffs and Inverness flaps/tashes...

T.

[McMurdo]

Robert
Thank you so much, I was more worried about memorizing Tam O'Shanter than the Address so I did miss a verse but I think I made it up with theatrics.

Phil
Thank you for the correction, you are of course correct, thank you for the illustration.

[Smitty]

Thanks again for the insight. While I am actually aware of why the dirk and sgian dubh were originally worn on the right side, I was just wondering if some rule of etiquette required it.
As it seems it's just convention (and the assumption that the wearer is right-handed), I'll continue to wear the sgian in my left sock. Should I ever get a dirk, well, I'll make up my mind about that then. As long as I know that I'm not inadvertently being rude, whether anyone else understands why I would wear it on the left means little to me.

[Piper]

Thanks again for the insight. While I am actually aware of why the dirk and sgian dubh were originally worn on the right side, I was just wondering if some rule of etiquette required it.
As it seems it's just convention (and the assumption that the wearer is right-handed), I'll continue to wear the sgian in my left sock. Should I ever get a dirk, well, I'll make up my mind about that then. As long as I know that I'm not inadvertently being rude, whether anyone else understands why I would wear it on the left means little to me.

Another southpaw here. As a Jacobite reenactor, when I wear my great kilt, I draw the plaid over my right shoulder, so as not to encumber my "sword arm". However, as a piper, the sword rarely leaves the scabbard. I usually wear my dirk just to the left of the sporran, as seen in some old illustrations (also the only time the dirk leaves the wall). I can draw it with either hand, as needed. One never knows when you'll have to dispatch a surly roast, or rampaging watermelon.
The only person at an event to comment on the "left handedness" of my belted plaid was another reenactor, who thought it was because I was a piper (to keep the plaid clear of the drones).
In modern dress, when carrying a sgian dubh, I carry it on my left leg, I'm not aware that anyone has ever noticed the difference.

[Phil]

Another southpaw here.

In Scotland it is "corrie-fisted". I don't know if highland soldiers were trained to fight right-handed but Cumberland's army were trained to bayonet the opponent to the right of them on their unprotected side. This would not have been so effective with a left-handed opponent.

[Am Bàrd]

Actually, a large number of the Penicuik sketches show left handed highlanders, though there is some debate as to whether it was to make them appear exotic, or simply the artists' fancy. As a student of Highland Swordsmanship however, their postures and guards are correct to Thomas Page's 1746 manual, so they can't be completely based in fantasy...

And in regards to the dirk placement, there's much iconography for it to be worn in the centre of the belt - accessible to either hand, though these sources are certainly not for formal occasions.

[BoldHighlander]

Actually, a large number of the Penicuik sketches show left handed highlanders, though there is some debate as to whether it was to make them appear exotic, or simply the artists' fancy. As a student of Highland Swordsmanship however, their postures and guards are correct to Thomas Page's 1746 manual, so they can't be completely based in fantasy...

At this risk of taking this thread further off-topic:

Of the ones I posted here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/l...44/index2.html, four of the images illustrate left handed swordsmen. As the images of known personalities (Gordon of Glenbucket etc) jive with period descriptions, I personally believe the illustrations to be fairly accurate representations & a great resource.

I now return you to the subject at hand (no pun intended)