Hand made Sgian Dubh

Now a well recognised part of highland regalia the sgian dubh was once the original every day carry knife. Worn in the kilt hoes (socks) as a way of displaying trust in ones host it might have been more concealed when travelling or among strangers. The sgian dubh was employed for all manner of tasks through the day and as a last line of defense if necessary.

The original name for the Sgian dubh may have been the Sgian achlais, meaning “arm knife”. Roving through the hills with a knife in the kilt hoes would have been far from practical and meant the blade would have been far more secure on a sheath under the armpit. This knife then removed when entering a house or among friends may have given rise to the contemporary tradition of the knife carried in the sock as a show of good will. This should make it suspicious when you see a tartan clad lad and can’t spot his knife, right? This knife would have been far simpler in design that the plastic ornamental tat flogged by Pakastani shite merchants today. I try to bridge this gap with elegant designs, real materials and importantly a functional blade.

The embellishment of the sgian dubhs really took off during the reign of Queen Victoria after the Dress Act of 1746 had been repealed in 1782. This allowed highlanders outside of military service to the crown to re adopt tartan and its accouterments. The romanticism of Gaelic culture by novelist such as Sir Walter Scott also fanned the flames of the “Celtic Revival”. At this point we see the more ornamental aspects of of the sgian dubh, sporan, kilt belt, brooches etc. really take off as people find new ways to show off their heritage.

As such I have designed mine to be elegant when on display but practical for anything you might need to put them up against, something of a semi-dress sgian dubh. 

Just remember, there is nothing sadder than watching a group of grown men try and cut packaging, cord or a box with car keys. These Sgian dubhs make a great gift as I hope the the integrity of my workmanship will show through to compliment the respect that should be afforded our Gaelic heritage. Remember culture is a dynamic ongoing process, it can change for the better or the worse. Does the Gaelic diaspora want to be remembered for taking pride in their presentation, or for consuming mass produced factory crap. I may be biased, but those my thoughts on it.

Alba gu bràth,