what about the hardwear?

[Amoskeag]

I often wear my Jacobite period garb to the Games (complete with weapons). It's great for getting in free! And yes, wearing multiple different tartans is correct for the period. (I'll repeat my oft-stated warning against applying modern highland dress standards to historic period garb)....

That's a nice looking kit Everything is appropriate to everything else. It's good to have some history at games; I go in Rev War kit to Loon Mt. with the 74th as the officer's manservant. I'm unarmed except for an occasional gentleman's small sword and then only as required by function.
For modern dress I like the analogy of the shotgun at the rodeo. Would you carry a big weapon to any other kind of party? Probably not. OK maybe in New Hampshire (Live Free or Die) but we're different
As to Multi-tartanism, 19th C is just as bad. "Man From Plaid" To modern sensibilities it looks horrid but those nutty Victorians couldn't get enough.
Bob

[ChattanCat]

You people seem to be on another planet from me or something but I really can not abide a man without a sharp pointy object on his person somewhere.

It seems so un-manly.

Just for the record I asked this forum for some advice on sword-belts for a basket hilt claymore and caught nothing but flak here so I wore pants with my uniform and carried a M-1851 Cavalry sword when I got married and not a kilt.

Disreguard these naysayers and at least wear a dirk.

I think we have an admitted pants wearer!

Just returned from doing field research on this matter at the Arizona Scottish Gathering and Highland Games in Phoenix.

Seems current fashion is to leave your pleats basted and wear some sort of a "mini ear knife."

Ron

Did you at least suggest he remove the basting?

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

Well, I have to admit amusement when I was at a Scottish walk in Alexandria (mid 90s) and saw a "Jacobite" complete with flintlock walking next to an "RAF officer".

I am of the opinion that knives are proper in some contexts, especially if they are part of the dress (especially the sgian dubh). Ren festivals are ridiculous without people having daggers.

On the other hand it is downright cartoonish to treat a Scottish festival as dess up playtime. I am not really a kilt snob, but at least make an effort to look proper. I have no problem with whatever shirt you want to put on, or shoes, but at least try for kilt hose (rant about person at AZ festival in improper hose). This is the Scottish national dress, not a fancy dress party.

Try to have some respect for that fact.