Sgian Dubhs: A Scottish Tradition

The sgian dubhs (“skeen-doos”) of Scotland are small, ceremonial knives with a single edge worn in the top of the kilt hose or boot with only the hilt showing. It’s also spelled skean dhu. In the Celtic, sgian means “knife” and dubh means “dark” – and therefore, “hidden.” As part of the traditional dress of Scottish men, it went with the kilt and hosiery they often wore in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it is seen as proper to wear them while in full regalia, even though they are no longer needed (and, in fact, are illegal to have in some countries regardless). Most historians believe this small knife developed from another Scottish dagger, the sgian achlais (ochles), which was two-sided and concealed beneath the armpit, or the skinning knife used before that. Scottish custom dictated that when going to a friend’s house, you had to reveal all hidden weapons at the door. Often the sgian achlais would be taken out and placed where the sgian dubh now rests. Traditional materials for this form of small knife include antler or bone handles with various steel blades about 3.5 to 4 inches long. Most of the leather sheathes were unremarkable, given nobody would ever see them beneath the clothing. Later knives would go the way of the dirk, and be decorated for show rather than for actual usage. Sgian dubhs have been banned on occasion in the U.S. and Scotland for certain events; however, England, Wales, and Scotland all have laws allowing the knife to be worn with traditional costumes. Though it once afforded some protection to the Scottish in case of confrontations at gatherings, today it is purely ceremonial. For anyone looking to recreate the Scottish ceremonial costume, there are plenty of online metalworking sources where these daggers can be bought.