The Sgian Dubh is a traditional part of Scottish Highland  dress worn both by the highland regiments of the army and by civilians alike.Traditionally worn tucked into the top of the sock/ hose where one would have only to reach down to have instant access to the small dagger.

When translated from gaelic, sgian dubh means 'black knife', this term is considered a reference to the concealed nature of the weapon, although many do have black hilts.

In the highlands of the 16th and 17th centuries the clans who lived there were in a perpetual state of inter-clan warfare  and clansmen carried weapons as a matter of course.

Large two-handed swords, (claidheam-hor), basket hilted broadswords, dirks, targes (shields) and guns were all essential clan weapons but smaller daggers and knives were carried by virtually everyone.

One such knife was the sgian acklias or armpit dagger, a small knife carried concealed within the jacket. If ever a clansman found himself in a dangerous situation and he was without his main weapons, he could always rely on his hidden dagger to defend himself.

Due to the laws of Highland hospitality it was deemed offensive to go into company armed. Either at gatherings or in taverns, arms were set aside. The hidden dagger would be placed on the table for all to see or put into the stocking top just in case. This showed both manners and a lack of hostile intentions, but was also a warning that a clansman could defend himself if neccessary.

This tradition gave birth to the wearing of the sgian dubh which became a standard part of the Highland dress from the early 19th century and indeed this tradion still survives to this day.

Although the term sgian dubh is a relatively recent one, the dagger owes its origins to the earlier and more practical sgian achlais.

John Barnett- Designer/ Weaponsmith

17th century clansman sporran £15.00	Late 18th century Sgian Dubh-formal style designed by John Barnett £20.00
Late 19th century Sgian Dubh-formal style designed by John Barnett £20.00	Late 19th century Sgian Dubh-hunting style designed by John Barnett £20.00
Victorian military style Sgian Dubh-formal style designed by John Barnett £20.00	Victorian military style Sgian Dubh-hunting style designed by John Barnett £20.00