Wearing a dirk casually

[tokareva]

I have lived and worked in the bush for almost 50 years and can say without a doubt in MOST cases making loud noises will keep bears and cougars away far more effectively than waving a knife at them. If you really think a bear or big cat won't come after you because you are armed, you will have a realignment of your thoughts when the beast is on you...... and when it is on you, well the chances of you winning the contest armed with a knife or not, favours the beast

You are certainly right about making noise Terry, but in fairness I think LKM was probably more concerned about being attacked by something and having no defense whatsoever, rather than a knife being a deterrent to a wild animal. Noise doesn't always work, I just saw a black bear running through downtown Gatlinburg on the news this morning. Personally, whenever I'm on a trail in the mountians or even in a local park I'm more concerned about human predators than animals, and usually always take that into consideration, thats all I will say.

[carlisle401]

While everyone else in my Sams Post here in Phoenix wears a dirk, I do not. They are certain occasions when we do not, especially when we have events at schools. We respect the place where we are holding a Colour Guard, Flag Fold or Remembrance Table.

I never felt the need for carrying a dirk, I served in the Scottish Division and the only soldiers who carry them are Pipers, so I carry on the tradition.

[Terry Searl]

You are certainly right about making noise Terry, but in fairness I think LKM was probably more concerned about being attacked by something and having no defense whatsoever, rather than a knife being a deterrent to a wild animal. Noise doesn't always work, I just saw a black bear running through downtown Gatlinburg on the news this morning. Personally, whenever I'm on a trail in the mountians or even in a local park I'm more concerned about human predators than animals, and usually always take that into consideration, thats all I will say.

We have the same problems with wild critters coming into the cities and towns bordering the bush..... the problem is caused with humans, encouraging the lower forms of the food chain to mix with humans and in the human environment. People just don't seem to get that most animals want only three things, to get food to eat easily, Don't get eaten themselves, and to Procreate....... and they will naturally fight to get any of those three things.
As for human predators.....Well that is for another conversation on another website

[tripleblessed]

WHY? You going to war? A little pocket knife in the sporran fixes any issue you might encounter.

In my line of work, weapons are tools of the trade, and nothing more. Unfortunately some believe its a display of power, and must be displayed. BUNK, we don't need this stuff. If you are a brick manson, would you wear your trowel or level with your kilt, what is the difference, less the "look at me, I am a brave warrior". Forget it.

I think no one has mentioned war, or the USE of a dirk. I have virtually always had a pocket knife on me for boxes, fingernails, and the like. As you note, tools of the trade depend on the trade, and as a result I have had days when I had rather larger blades for the job at hand. Like most, I find them more a burden or bother in most circumstances. So while I would probably never wear one unless headed for my address to the haggis, I have no problem with someone else wearing one, as long as they understand the legalities. And the insanity and/or stupidity in using one for the purposes you bring up. Weapons in the individual case are more likely to be a statement of fear than power. And as some note, brandishing is a whole different kettle of fish than wearing.

I, too struggle to suppress a smirk when meeting someone at games inappropriately dressed and laden with tools they not only don't need, but likely have no idea how to use. A wise man proceeds in a different manner. I shall attempt to stay out of judgment, though, 'til I have more understanding of his thinking.

I think this is a subject for further discussion in person, should I have the pleasure of an opportunity to offer a dram. Or pint. Or glass of sweet tea, which
is what I'll be drinking.

[PatrickHughes123]

I can certainly say for sure, that in my kilt shop in Scotland, they don't sell dirks, I imagine to avoid legal consequences or controversy.

They do sell sgian dubhs, both fake plastic ones and real ones. I bought the fake plastic one as I am under eighteen and it poses less of a legal risk.

[CollinMacD]

I think no one has mentioned war, or the USE of a dirk. I have virtually always had a pocket knife on me for boxes, fingernails, and the like. As you note, tools of the trade depend on the trade, and as a result I have had days when I had rather larger blades for the job at hand. Like most, I find them more a burden or bother in most circumstances. So while I would probably never wear one unless headed for my address to the haggis, I have no problem with someone else wearing one, as long as they understand the legalities. And the insanity and/or stupidity in using one for the purposes you bring up. Weapons in the individual case are more likely to be a statement of fear than power. And as some note, brandishing is a whole different kettle of fish than wearing.

I, too struggle to suppress a smirk when meeting someone at games inappropriately dressed and laden with tools they not only don't need, but likely have no idea how to use. A wise man proceeds in a different manner. I shall attempt to stay out of judgment, though, 'til I have more understanding of his thinking.

I think this is a subject for further discussion in person, should I have the pleasure of an opportunity to offer a dram. Or pint. Or glass of sweet tea, which
is what I'll be drinking.

My mention o f war was simply going over the top, as to me, what I see at many of the Scottish Games in the U.S., especially on the East Coast, are people who carry large knives, vendors at the games selling every type of sword, dagger, and other edged weapon at the games. This only encourages people to buy and wear. I have seen people dressed like a Rob Roy movie, even with the blue paint on the face, wearing a Claymore on their backs, with several dirks hanging from their belts. IMHO, no class, living in a fantasy world, and has the need to draw attention to them. Possible accident waiting to happen.

So my question is, would you use a dirk when a hunting knife if you are hiking or going into natures world?

I agree with your comments, and I am not judging, but when we are on a forum, as such, a person asks, well this is an invitation on expressing my personal feelings about carrying weapons. Again, wearing an edged blade can be put into perspective, when you are hiking or doing outdoor sports, a hunting knife, or pocket knife is a tool, and is necessary. When you go to a Clan Gathering, Scottish Games or other social events, the dirk is a military weapon, worn in that manner. There is big difference between the two, and the Scottish Dirk to me is a weapon, and should be worn in a manner intended, pipe bands, etc, but civilians, well I won't be the judge of that. Of course you can justify saying the Dirk was used as a utility tool, but we are not in the 18th Century, and in our world we live in, many people are intimidated over this.

Always ready to share a dram or two....till then, cheers.

[CollinMacD]

We have the same problems with wild critters coming into the cities and towns bordering the bush..... the problem is caused with humans, encouraging the lower forms of the food chain to mix with humans and in the human environment. People just don't seem to get that most animals want only three things, to get food to eat, Don't get eaten, and to Procreate....... and they will naturally fight to get any of those three things.
As for human predators.....Well that is for another conversation on another website

An unfortunate soul in Florida was walking her dog, and got killed by an alligator. I agree, nature is all around us, and I work stopping himan predators everyday, but we are talking, well I least I am under the impression we are talking, about wearing the dirk during Scottish Events, where you have herding dogs, and sheep.

[Terry Searl]

An unfortunate soul in Florida was walking her dog, and got killed by an alligator. I agree, nature is all around us, and I work stopping himan predators everyday, but we are talking, well I least I am under the impression we are talking, about wearing the dirk during Scottish Events, where you have herding dogs, and sheep.

My responses were directed to those saying they felt they needed to carry a dirk or other large or long bladed knife when hiking.....what you wear in your costume at Ren fairs, highland games, etc, I imagine are governed by rules laid out by the organizers of the events......at least I would hope so
In the 50 years I lived and worked in the bush, surrounded by forests and wild animals, I never carried, or felt the need to carry, a large bladed knife. I had a small folding knife in my pocket, and if I was out hunting, I carried a knife for bleeding and skinning, neither was long or large bladed..I'm sorry but the vein of this thread has nothing to do with kilt wearing so for me it is at an end

[Father Bill]

Gentlemen (?) -

This is no longer about weapons as kilt accessories. It's now about weaponry period, and whether they're useful for defense.

It stops or this thread stops.

Father Bill
Forum Moderator

[tripleblessed]

To get back on track, I'll throw in that my experience with dirks has pretty much been limited to the subduing the odd stubborn haggis. It
has happened a few times, oddly always in the winter. On these strange occurrences, I was grateful to note that someone had had the
foresight to wear one, even if I hadn't. And it hasn't once happened unless I was kilted. HHmmmmm....... very strange. Bears research.