The sgian dubh holds a ceremonial role in highland dress today, but its past has a wee bit more to it. Sgian Dubh is Gaelic for "Black knife" or rather, "Hidden dagger". The Highlander kept his sgian dubh hidden in the folds of his kilt, reaching for it in a fight when his opponent least expected it.
This weapon of protection was also used for more commonplace purposes too - highlanders worked the land and knew it well. The sgian dubh evolved as a handy wee utility knife useful for eating, carving and chopping, even skinning game. You never know in the remote highlands of Scotland what may befall you after all.
Being men of honour the highlander would wear the sgian dubh visible in the top of the hose of his fighting (now writing...) hand. If he entered a persons home and meant to harm, he would swap the sgian dubh into the top of the opposite sock showing he came in peace.
Today, the Sgian Dubh is work as an intrinsic element of Highlandwear dress. Symbolic of its heritage, ceremonial in its use and decorative in its appearance.
The Kilberry Sgian Dubh
Our Kilberry Sgian Dubh's are a very special part of our handpicked highlandwear collection.
Hand turned by the talented craftsmen of Kilberry Bagpipes - the last hand made bagpipe makers in Edinburgh.
Each and every Kilberry sgian dubh has been created by a talented artisan from the off-cuts of African Blackwood used in turning drones for bagpipes. The handle of the sgian dubh is then completed with a damascus steel blade and a leather sheath.
The Kilberry Sgian Dubh collection consists of five beautiful designs available to browse right here.
