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The sgian dubh [pr: sgee-an doo] is a small knife that over recent centuries has become an integral part of Scottish Highland dress. Its name comes from the Gaelic for knife (sgian) and black (dubh). Although many sgian dubhs have black handles, the name derives more from its dark and secretive nature than its colour. The tradition is that these knives were usually hidden in the wearer’s sock but out of courtesy displayed minimally when in the house of a friend. The evolution of the sgian dubh is unclear. There is a fairly convincing theory that the it evolved from an earlier and possibly slightly longer armpit dagger (the sgian achlais) which was worn next to the upper arm and hidden from view by the wearer’s clothing. There are references to the sgian achlais being used in the 17th & 18th centuries but no known example exists today. The earliest references to sgian dubhs are comparatively recent, dating from around the start of the 19th century. This corresponds with the flourish of interest in all things Highland during the Romantic period and the re-discovery and re-design of Highland dress during the reign of Queen Victoria. Certainly, by the1850s it was very commonly worn with Highland dress. Early sgian dubhs tended to be simple with antler or horn handles, brass mounts and a plain leather sheath. The handles were often turned and therefore fully round and not particularly comfortable for the wearer. In time, the sgian dubh became a regular companion to the longer dirk and was frequently made to the same design as part of a set. Designs gradually became more elaborate and the materials more exotic. Ebony was commonly used in handles and carved patterns (often a simple woven design) became popular. The handle became flatter to fit the sock better and top-mounted stones became popular. Sgian dubhs became a normal part of military dress for a number of Scottish regiments and various military designs were developed using regimental motifs. Sheaths developed from the early simple leather versions into more elaborate and decorative pieces. Leather-covered wood became more common, giving the sheaths greater rigidity. Silver tops and tips were added and it became common for these to be patterned, either by engraving or piercing. It was perhaps the First World War that marked the beginning of a general decline for the sgian dubh. The military recognised that highland dress was no longer a practical option for battle and a significant military market for quality sgian dubhs disappeared. At the same time, advancing mechanisation led to a general decline in the demand for traditional knife making skills. There are now very few craftsmen left who can still make a real sgian dubh. A growing demand for uniformity and low cost heralded the arrival of a great national embarrassment - the plastic sgian dubh. Today, most of the knives worn in the socks of Scotsmen are made with moulded plastic handles and sheaths and have a hideous lump of coloured plastic stuck on top. The Real Sgian Dubh Company hopes to help re-write the story of the sgian dubh by making beautiful and affordable hand-crafted knives using natural materials and traditional processes. |
