Some variations on the traditional Highland sgian dubh...

The sgian dubh was originally the everyday working knife of the Scottish Highlanders: it had a short blade and a plain handle of wood, horn, bone, antler or even kelp. This knife was often carried under the arm, and known as a sgian occles, or armpit knife. It is from this form of concealment that it probably got its name, black knife, with black meaning underhand rather than colour. The tradition of placing it in the stocking came from the ideas of Highland hospitality: when visiting another household, it was customary to relinquish one's weapons, but no Highlander would give up his sgian dubh, and so it was instead taken from its place of concealment and placed in the hose as a signal of honest intent.

Sgian dubhs began to be decorated with Celtic knotwork shortly after this became common for the larger Highland dirks. However, they only became a dress item after the reign of George IV: the modern form of the sgian dubh as a part of Highland dress owes more to the Victorians (and in particular the tartan propaganda of Sir Walter Scott) than it does to the early Highlanders. Nevertheless, they are an essential part of male formal dress in the Scottish Highlands today, and many of our pieces are sold locally. I cater to both history and tradition, combining traditional materials and styles with our respect for Celtic artistry, to produce knotwork dress sgian dubhs of the highest standard. (Clan crests of engraved sterling silver can be included on handle or sheath by request.) I also like to experiment with more extreme forms: from the basic, to the jewelled, or more modern.

(for larger pictures of these knives, click here.)