What's up with the sgian dubh nowadays!?!?!

[Streetcar]

Wow,
Been gone awhile and all the fun topic pop up!

I'm not going to debate the legality, need or responsibility that comes with carrying a knife.

But to get back to the nature of sgian dubh, there is a question with translation. While "black knife" mean a black handled knife, reflecting the wood that it was supposedly made of, there are arguments that "black" really meant "secret." The knife was worn hidden, then transferred to the sock when among friends - so that it was visible.
Given that there are more modern versions of kilts - I would argue that a typical folding knife - spyderco, emerson, cold steel, etc. are the logical descendants of that noble knife.

Yes, if I wear a "traditional" sgian dubh, I want it to be functional. But if I want function, I won't turn to a sgian dubh in my sock.

[Brasilikilt]

Getting back to sgians....

The armpit knife I'm referring was actually carried in that position, by means of a little hook on the sheath that hooked over the arm-hole of one's waistcoat.

Here's a picture of one (mine; made by Glenn McClain):

http://members.tripod.com/clan_donna....album?i=8&s=1

I seem to remember some mention of Highlanders keeping similar knives hooked onto their shirt collars behind their heads. The fine specimen you showed us would do well to be concealed in such a way

[Freedomlover]

Wow,

I'm not going to debate the legality, need or responsibility that comes with carrying a knife.

Nor will I beyond observing that an unarmed citizenry is a lot easier on both polititians and criminals,

there are arguments that "black" really meant "secret." The knife was worn hidden, then transferred to the sock when among friends - so that it was visible.

That has been my understanding. My 90 year old extremely Scottish Mother-in Law is coming to live with us next month, and that is what she has always said. (her accent, though a little rough from age, is to swoon over).

Given that there are more modern versions of kilts - I would argue that a typical folding knife - spyderco, emerson, cold steel, etc. are the logical descendants of that noble knife.

Total agreement.

Yes, if I wear a "traditional" sgian dubh, I want it to be functional. But if I want function, I won't turn to a sgian dubh in my sock.

You got that right too, laddie. Around here the Cherokee used to carry some pretty serious war clubs, but the times have changed. Further deponent sayeth not.

[Archangel]

Woodsheal, that is a beautiful knife.

Couple of comments: I'm still going to stick with black is the ambience rather than the colour. I will concede that I'm not familiar enough with Gaelic to support this myself but that is where the references lead.

I'll also stay with the armpit knife being hidden in the folds. If I could ask the reenactors to try wearing a knife there for a while, I think they would acknowledge that it was impractical and the evolution wouldn't happen. It is uncomfortable, compounds the injury from a strike and not the documented fast draw. Same with the idea of a knife on a string behind the back, unless it is more commonly worn on the front and moved to the back at a time in preparation.

Or else it's all myth anyway.

[Woodsheal]

[QUOTE=Archangel]Woodsheal, that is a beautiful knife.

QUOTE]

Thanks! Mr McClain does superb work - not cheap, but very nice! If you go to my photo page:
http://members.tripod.com/clan_donnachaidh/kilt_pix/
You will also see two dirks he did for me: a Lowland "whinger" or ball-quillon dagger, and a ca. 1680 Highland dirk (on page 2).

If anyone is interested, I can put him in touch with Glenn....