Dress Sgian Dubhs - How Do You Wear Them?

Do you own a dress Sgian Dubh? The type with a clan crest on the handle and a jewel pommel?
The dress Sgian Dubh is a very standard part of any fancier Highland Dress outfit. We have talked before about how you can have some fun with choosing a pommel jewel that tones well with your tartan. However, it seems this ubiquitous design is also awkward to wear. Van you wear a Sgian Dubh and have the crest showing? Or will the knife work its way out of your sock?
What are the alternatives to this design?
* Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Celtic Nations
www.usakilts.com/gallery/12-o...
Erik: Scruffy Wallace
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Started in 2003, USA Kilts is a team of kilt makers and artisans located in Spring City PA. In 2017, we made it our mission to build community and bring kilts and Celtic culture to the forefront with our YT show: Kilts & Culture.
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[@jarrodluttjohann4419]

I fixed my issues by just getting a sgian dubh tattoo where I’d wear it normally. Never falls off!

[@Doonfoto]

Me too! several soldiers in the Highland Regiments had s.g. tattoos, as only Officers, Pipers and NCOs could wear real ones.

[@redscale82]

Good idea. My first tattoo maybe 🤔

[@abrahamdozer6273]

I left the sgain dubh that I made for myself without an edge. The steel is super hard and I would do so if I saw a "point" to it. Just today, I showed it to a veteran friend, a Canadian special forces type and he demonstrated four different techniques to dispatch with it, even unsharpened. I'm glad he's a friend.

[@Luv2tickt]

Whilst my current Sgian Dubh is the Obi-Wan EIII lightsaber hilt, I would also think that a great Sgian Dubh would be a mini 7" USMC Ka-Bar!

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

I've been toying with getting the classic K-BAR, but that sucker would really make anyone's hose droop! 😆

[@propyro85]

​@Whiskey Victor maybe have a dedicated garter just to holding the knife up under your hose?

[@propyro85]

Someone made sgian dubh's with lightsaber hilts ... I need to see this. Episode 6 Luke would be my go to.

[@gazpal]

Wrap several rubber bands criss-crossed about the scabbard and the knife will seldom - if ever - slip/become dislodged because the bands grab onto the wool of the stocking. Just ensure the knife fits snugly in it's scabbard with ferrule tucked in behind the garter and just below the top of the stocking.

[@richgone]

rubber bands are basically the go to fix for most my highland wear problems. Slippy sgian dubh? rubber bands. Kilt pin that flips open sometime? rubber bands... flash garters that are losing stretch? rubber bands...

[@gazpal]

@@richgone rubber bands and baling twine

[@richardtruitt4646]

and the rubber bands tug at the hair on my legs.

[@gazpal]

​@@richardtruitt4646 the sacrifices we make for fashion's sake 😊

[@stevenwaldrop7853]

I have some hose/flashes combos that feel secure and I let my sgian dubh clan crest show, and others where it feels looser, so I tuck it in lower. It's all feel for me. I sharpened the edge on mine so it is more useful as a knife because I never know if there might be pie or something. I actually did have to use it as a knife once at a charity dinner where steak was on the menu but we were only provided a flimsy plastic knife for a sketchy steak.

[@sake-hime]

The perfect musical backdrop to Erik's fake historical story is the fake historical song Ashokan Farewell, which was written in 1982 but used in a miniseries about the Civil War alongside real Civil War era songs, so most people think it's from that era too. Don't know if it was on purpose but it was an excellent choice haha!

[@adammcinnes5615]

I have a couple of sgian dubhs. One a a Heather Gem, and it's decorative, so I wear it where a proper sgian dubh would be a faux pas. I also have Cold Steel's Mini Culloden with the plain edge that I wear otherwise.

[@williamrogers281]

You guys are awesome! I learn so much from you guys and I can't wait to get my Sgian Dubhs from your company.

[@alistairbain6149]

The wee lass who explained it to me was under mo doubt that the sgian dubh is a weapon. Swords and guns would be left at the entrance but in case anything untoward went doon, you had your trusty sgian dubh on hand. Yes, she was Scots. She it was who also said, "What happens under the kilt is your own business," referring to the everpressing conundrum - what's worn under the kilt ... ?

[@JoelBell-td1ep]

My usual answer to the question usually is something along the lines of "Whatever lipstick the wife is wearin.."

[@sunseeker8457]

You are spot on with this (has in many of your video's). Wearing the dubh too high up can make it move around if you do a lot of walking or dancing. Keep it low has both the hose and the flashes pressed against the dubh will help keep it in place. We wear the Sgian Dubh with or without our family crest low in the hose. The crest is personal, and that means that we are not bothered if other people see it or not. Our crest is for our own pride. But we (and the ones I know that have a crest dubhs) wear it low has any other sgian dubh. One day I would love to pop over the pond and join you with what is in your hands!

[@zombiechaddy]

Haven't yet bought a sgian dubh, but glad I watched this first. I'm with Erik - a decorative handle would be more important to me

[@douggodbey3514]

Hi, Guys. My first kilt was a Gordon Rental with Prince Charlie, a formal sporran, and white hose. Since it was a rental, I found it interesting because I had no problems dressing. Cheap usually doesn't wind up well. formal sporran,

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

I’m definitely looking forward to getting my first, but I’m still looking for just the right one. I’m going to want one that’s fully functional, that carries and keeps a good edge.

[@jmatt56]

I have a Damascus blade with military handle. Pricey and not easy t find. Only problem is that the hob nails get caught in the hose knitting.

[@robertfindley9000]

Sgian Dhuh's are used originally for cutting meat. the dirk is on the belt and the rifle is held as well as a sword and shield

[@CoreyBrass]

Of course it's a weapon. The saber I wore to my buddies wedding is also ceremonial and didn't have an edge on it... but it's still a saber.

[@johnellis6959]

While I am a knife guy, I generally only buy practical knives. I’ve been contemplating how I’m going to carry when I get my first traditional kilt, I guess I’ll just have to experiment with it. Btw, Eric’s story was great. 😂

[@propyro85]

When I'm wearing my kilt somewhere that I might catch grief for essentially 'open carrying' a knife I just wear a normal pocket knife. I tuck it between the aprons and clip it to the top of my right hip so it's still in the right orientation to be useful.

[@WelBike1967]

A Sgian Dubh should traditionally not be visible, the translation means the 'Black Blade' meaning the hidden dagger', It was to be hidden on your person as a last ditch defense weapon and or used as a utility knife. agreed keep it low as if ypu are doing anything energetic it may pop out of the sock and never be seen again (learned this by experience) .

[@mblaydoe]

Except that, as a sign of hospitality and trust, a guest would move the Sgian Dubh from its NORMAL carry place hidden inside the jacket to the sock to be SEEN by the host and a little harder to get at. Since kilts are worn to events with crowds, keeping the Sgian Dubh in the sock has become the custom, but that was NOT the original typical way to carry.

[@BCSchmerker]

+USAKiltsOfficial *Thanks for the stylist perspective.* Had I the option, I'd specify a sock clip on the sheath for an order from The Real Sgian Dubh Company plc (GBR). I prefer plain handles for concealed-carry knives; COLD STEELⓇ (Ventura, CA, USA) provides for sock carry in Conceal-Exᵀᴹ sheaths on select models (including the Secret Edge model boot knife, C/N 11SDT).

[@arronwallace326]

I have a lot of sgian dubhs and I don't care for the pretty jeweled ones because they typically have poor steel in them. Cold Steel made a great sgian dubh many years ago. I have the longer version that Adam McInnes has (Slàinte Adam!). The Culloden is/was a great knife. I do typically wear mine where I only have about 2" of the handle hanging out, but I also have longer blades. It really though, comes down to what a person wants. I've known many who have lost theirs due to letting it hang out so they could show off the crest or what have you. Remember, they were only visible if you intended no harm to who you were seeing. They were hidden for those you intended on harming or at least a fast defense. So as Erik asked at the end, yes, the sgian dubh can be used as a weapon albeit, not a long one. Anymore, they aren't much better than a butter knife.

[@666kingdrummer]

My problem has never been losing it or it falling down my sock, it's just keeping it upright. If im going somewhere that has bit of a walk, I'm constantly having to adjust it.

[@albatz1377]

....what the tartan in the thumbnail haha

[@richardrourke9278]

I have one I made (a kit) that has an antler handle ( red deer).

[@Kyle-TheGuyInTheKilt]

Wasn't Erik's story of the blood rights actually a scene Jamie did in Outlander? 🤣😂🤣

[@zombiechaddy]

"Fake Sgian Dubh" bit was awesome haha!!

[@tireachan6178]

It's for when your at the bar having a drink at a wedding and you strategically mention your scian dubh until someone asks to see it

[@bobbieschke599]

I wear a crown of an antler on mine, it sits about an inch above the fold.

[@scottwelch2044]

Is this something that should be worn only with formal attire or can it be work with a utility kilt also.

[@kevin-jg5nq]

At the 2:15 mark, is that the Robertson red modern tartan?

[@mikepierce5621]

I don't wear a dres Sgian Dubh. Mine is practical, sharpened and has a Mule Deer antler for a handle. I think its much nicer than any dress ones ive seen.

[@straycat1674]

Eric’s also selling some land in Europe that will automatically make you a prince.

[@straycat1674]

The Sgian Dubh that you were referring to are made by Caledonian Sgian Dubh

[@Cubestone]

I understand the aesthetic, but resist. As a career tool user I'm not without a functional blade unless prohibited by law. I have a not quite tactical black handled folding knife that I sometimes use the pocket clip to keep it in my kilt hose. Also, on the left. If it makes any statement at all I hope it's that I'm practical in decorating my kit.

[@user-ow4jw6io6g]

Do you wear the Sgian Dubh with/without sheath?

[@BrandonSmith-iq4iy]

Exactly what Craig burness said!!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I thought it should be black as in dubh. I guess not enough people understanding the value of bog wood. I think a sgain dubh should be a bushcraft knife made to be beat with a rock. That's why the black mineralized strong wood used in the handle.

[@gordonstewart8258]

The sgian dubh is, obviously, not a practical weapon: blade's too short and no guard. However, I see it as (among other things) a symbolic weapon, paying hamage to the swords and dirks carried by our warrior ancestors. It's also good for opening beer bottles.

[@redscale82]

FB in a nutshell 😂

[@armoringregret9833]

Hose

[@straycat1674]

I would think that the more decorative part would be the butt of the sgian Dubh

[@relicpathfinder2800]

For the same reason people wear a religious symbol on a necklace under their shirt, or why they get a family tattoo and wear clothes over it. It's for them, the owner, the wearer, not for everyone else. Family or clan pride.

[@gonefishingtoday]

It's ok to lose any bits of your kilt gear, but never ever lose your Sgian Dubh. It's the one and only sin. You can wear your kilt back to front, even lose it but never ever lose the Sgian Dubh... It's the biggest shame a Celt can suffer.

[@paulmarkmoffat4638]

It 's not your crest to show off unless you own it personally, You only represent the Clan Chief. For me on one hand I can show off my crest because I was granted it along with my Coat of Arms Formerly known as my Heraldic Achievements. I no longer support my Clan Chief, I have my own personal Tartan.

[@thomasbeckett1245]

If your showing off. Your bound to loose everything! It’s best to be very conservative and wear gaiters, and garters.

[@BrandonSmith-iq4iy]

To me it's part of my everyday carry for self defense. I always carry a tiny 9 mm pistol in my sporran, but the sgian dubh is an everyday carry blade. It's a knife! I don't care for it to show. I don't care for the flashy handle or the jewel or the crest, it is a working blade that was always the every day carry off the time. I don't carry for the cheap decorative commercial reproductions. There are much better hi carbon options

[@LiqdPT]

In the UK, fixed blades are illegal to carry around. I assume that's why sgian dubhs are decorative, not because they are cheap. High quality ones made in the UK likely don't have an edge.

[@davidguymon1673]

It's not just a Sgian Dubhs, it's an "assault Sgian Dubhs".