Sgian Dubhs

Gaelic for black (dubh) knife (sgian). So called as the handle invariably was carved from black bog oak. Perhaps more subtly, the word black implies ‘secret’ or ‘covert’ and, indeed, the sgian dubh was customarily a concealed weapon. A small knife - 6” to 7” long - it was usually hidden on the Highlander’s person. However, when a clansman visited a house on his travels, he deposited all of his weapons at the front door with the exception of the sgian dubh. As a courtesy to his host it was worn openly in the sock.