The mysterious and historical Scottish “Sgian Dubh" is a knife of intrigue, legends, and tall tales. This diminutive blade developed over several centuries from a utility knife to a knife of self-defense and cultural importance. Sgian Dubh is Gaelic for "black knife" and is pronounced "scheeeian doo." “Sgian Dhu," Sgian Du," “ Skene Du," and other spelling variations are also seen. Traditionally this knife is worn on the calf of the leg, tucked into the hose top, with only the pommel visible.
Although worn primarily by the Scots, it's also worn by the Irish with their kilts. Early blades varied in design and usually had a simple stag handle mounted with brass. Later the traditional more flat handle appeared and provided increased comfort in the hose top. These earlier knives may also have been an inch or so longer than today’s Sgian Dubh with some having a "clipped" or "drop" point tip. Most Sgian Dubhs now universally exhibit the "spear-point" tip. Generally blades range between 3 to 4 inches in length with the total knife length usually around 8 inches. Traditionally the back edge of Scottish knives are finished with scalloped filework and the Sgian Dubh is no exception.
There are two contentious areas regarding the origin and history of the Sgian Dubh – the etymology of the Gaelic name and the original intended use. Knife or blade is “sgian" in Gaelic and “dubh" is translated as “black" and is often attributed to clandestine and nefarious uses of the knife. Others say the term derives from the traditional carved black handle of these knives. Although many Sgian Dubh are actually black with handles of ebony, bogwood, mahogany, there are also many made of stag antler, boxwood, oak, and even ivory, with a black or brown leather sheath.
Virtually all Highlanders, men and women, carried some sort of knife. It may have been carried as an eating utensil or utility knife. The Sgian Dubh may have evolved from the “Sgian Achlais", a dagger that could be concealed under the armpit. Used by the Scots of the 17th and 18th centuries , this knife was slightly larger than the average Sgian Dubh and was carried in the upper sleeve, or lining of the body of the jacket, under the left arm. This short utility knife was ideal for personal protection, and during the ban on Scottish arms, it became practice to conceal such a weapon in a secret pocket. As a mark of mutual respect and openness with friends, the Sgian Dubh was removed from concealment and prominently displayed in the hose top (held by flashes) for all present to witness. If a Scots woman carried a knife for eating or defense, it could be hidden in the folds of her gathered skirt well concealed in a deep pocket, but very unlikely to be removed for display for any reason.
Others believe the Sgian Dubh was originally a utility knife that was actually part of a two-knife Gralloch (hunting) set – the Sgian Dubh and large dirk (9 -10 inch blade). The huntsman used the dirk for butchering (gralloching) and the smaller knife for skinning. The knife was placed in the stocking top for easy access. These knives were often unadorned with a simple horn or stag handle.
There are two main categories of Sgian Dubh – Day or utility use and Dress use. Daily use knifes are simple utilitarian with an antler or hardwood handle set in brass or silver with a brown or black leather stitched sheath. Sometimes they display a silver pommel and occasionally a mounted stone.
The Dress Sgian Dubhs are divided into two types – Civilian Dress and Military Dress. It has been said, “The blade makes the knife, but the handle sells it." This is readily apparent in the lavish Civilian Dress knife with its elaborative and decorative handle, often thistle shaped, with Celtic knot, or basket weave pattern, and sometimes with silver or gold studs and matching Scottish trim. Jewels (semi-precious gemstones) are often mounted at the pommel of the handle. Cairngorm, a yellow-brown type of smoky quartz, has been traditionally used in Celtic jewelry, but the supply of cairngorm is virtually exhausted and heat-treated Brazilian amethyst is sometimes used as a substitute in Scottish jewelry. In less expensive Sgian Dubh, colored glass may be substituted for the semi-precious stone. A clan crest is sometimes displayed on the handle or sheath and on occasion the blade is engraved.
Military Dress Sgian Dubhs are more constrained by regulation and generally have a straight black wood handle with a diamond pattern, or a Celtic knot or basket weave design, mounted with silver or gold studs, elaborate trim and a regimental insignia. The sheaths are finished in black leather with a wooden core and often decorated with matching silver or gold trim.
D uring the 18 th Century, a laird would have a ghille (servant/game-keeper) for gralloching, but clansman generally had no qualms in performing their own butchering and skinning. Officers in Highland Regiments would proudly display the sword and dirk, but the Sgian Dubh was not commonly present as it was considered a servants tool. In the 19 th Century - the Victorian Era and it’s fascination with “Things Scottish" - the popularity of the Sgian Dubh greatly increased and it was openly worn in the hose top. The gentry adopted the accessory into formal wear and the dress Sgian Dubhwas born! The Sgian Dubh became increasingly elaborate and gradually advanced as a full partner to the dirk often matched in design and decoration.
In areas with "zero tolerance" weapons policies, or heightened security concerns, the wearing of the Sgian Dubh as part of traditional Scottish dress has sometimes created controversy. The sgian dubh has been banned on a number of occasions in the USA and even in Scotland . To help alleviate the concern, many Sgian Dubhs are now being constructed with “dull blades" for safety considerations. Some are even of a one-piece resin construction and only for visual effect when tucked into a hose.
Regardless of the obscure origin and gradual refinement of the Sgian Dubh, the intrigue still remains as this legendary and enchanting knife continues to play an eminent and fashionable role in Scottish culture. It is a symbol of kilted heritage and pride. The Sgian Dubh is admired as historical hand crafted Celtic art and an absolute fashion necessity for the well kilted Scot.
Mr. Klemens is an accomplished author, writer, and practicing pharmacist. He has authored a book on integrative medicine and numerous essays and articles in local, national, and international magazines, and web sites. Topics include integrative medicine, Oriental medicine, herbs and supplements, health and fitness, Scottish culture, and leadership and ethics. He is also listed in the Marquis Who’s Who in America, a member of Clan Gregor, and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
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