At a glance
- Worn in the top of the right sock, with only the handle showing; left-handed wearers often use the left.
- Blades are usually 7–10 cm long.
- Handles are traditionally black: bog oak, ebony or dark horn, often carved with knotwork.
- Wearing one with Highland dress is covered by the "national costume" defence in UK law.
How do you pronounce sgian dubh?
Say "skee-an doo". It is Scottish Gaelic: sgian means knife and dubh means black. It is sometimes written skean dhu or sgian-dubh.
Why is it called the black knife?
Most explanations point to the traditional black handle, of bog oak, ebony or dark horn. Another reading is that "black" meant hidden, as in black-market. A popular story says Highlanders once kept a small knife hidden under the arm, and moved it to the top of the stocking, in plain view, as a sign of good faith when visiting someone's home. It is a good story, but there's little hard evidence for it.
What does a sgian dubh look like?
A sgian dubh is small: blades are usually 7–10 cm, single-edged and often with a spine filed or carved for decoration. The handle is shaped to sit flat against the leg, traditionally black and often carved with Celtic knotwork. Many have a silver or pewter pommel set with a stone, often a cairngorm (smoky quartz) or a cut glass, sometimes in the wearer's clan colours.
Which leg do you wear a sgian dubh on?
In the top of the right kilt hose, with just the handle showing above the sock, on the outside of the leg. Left-handed wearers often wear it on the left.
Is it legal to wear a sgian dubh?
Yes, as part of Highland dress. In England and Wales, the Criminal Justice Act 1988 gives a defence for carrying a blade in public "as part of any national costume"; Scotland's Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 has the same defence. That covers a sgian dubh worn with a kilt to a wedding, a ceilidh or a Burns supper.
It does not cover carrying a sgian dubh on its own, and venues and events can refuse knives altogether. Never pack one in hand luggage for a flight. This is a guide, not legal advice: see UK knife law.
Making a sgian dubh
A sgian dubh is a small, satisfying knife to make, and a good first project. Some UK forges offer it as a course option, especially around weddings and Burns Night. The blade is short and simple; most of the time goes into shaping and carving the handle.
Questions people ask
How do you pronounce sgian dubh?
"Skee-an doo." It is Scottish Gaelic for "black knife".
Which leg does the sgian dubh go on?
The right leg, in the top of the kilt hose on the outside of the leg. Left-handed wearers often use the left.
Can I wear a sgian dubh at a wedding in England?
Yes, as part of Highland dress. The law gives a defence for carrying a knife as part of national costume. Check with the venue, which can still ask you not to.
Can you fly with a sgian dubh?
Not in hand luggage. Some airlines allow knives in checked baggage; check with the airline before you travel.
Make your own knife
Find a forge near you and book directly with them.