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The Sgian Dubh and it's Highland History
The Sgian Dubh is a small, single-edged knife traditionally worn as part of a kilt outfit. This is worn at the top of the kilt hose with only the hilt visible. The word Sgian Dubh is Gaelic, pronounced “skian doo”, and originates from “Sgian” meaning knife or dagger, and “Dubh” meaning black. The use of the Gaelic ‘black’ is thought to come from the use of the original black bogwood used for the hilt of the knife, which would typically be hidden under the owner’s armpit and withdrawn if needed.
This suggests that the Sgian Dubh developed from the “Sgian Achlais” or “armpit dagger” which was often mentioned in connection with the Scottish Highlands in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, the Sgian Dubh is purely ornamental, and often has highly decorative carvings, embellishments and even jewels and stones. Sgian Dubhs typically match the wearer’s kilt outfit and other accessories and can incorporate a clan crest. The knife can be held in place with hose garters or Tartan Kilt Flashes worn around the top of the Kilt Socks/Hose.
There are different types of Sgian Dubh, including the Day, Dress and Safety. The Day Sgian Dubh is made for less formal events, with the handles produced in different materials such as stag horn and oak.
The Dress Sgian Dubh is suitable for formal occasions such as a wedding or black-tie event and if you purchase one with a genuine blade they are a lethal weapon, hence why we do not advise popping one in your suitcase for that overseas wedding. Many a Sgian Dhub has been seized in customs. These knives often include a clan crest and metal plating, as well as a gemstone on the base of the hilt.
We only stock the Safety Sgian Dubh which is designed to look like the real knife but does not contain a blade within the sheath. A good option for younger kilt wearers or if you are travelling overseas or to locations where blades are not permitted.
