Sgian Dubh's and Hiughland dirk.

Sgian Dubh is gaelic for black (dubh) dagger (sgian)as invaraibly the handle was carved from black bog oak.

It also had a more subtle meaning - as the word 'black' meant secret or covert as in 'blackmarket'. This was very appropriate for this type of weapon as it was ued as a last resort and was usually concealed.

The Sgian Dubh was only exhibited in the presence of a host out of courtesy, and thus placed in the wearer's hose in a obvious position.

In the picture below, the SD/R conforms to the traditional Regimental pattern while the safety version (SD/Safe) version is a one piece moulding with no blade. THis is primarly intended for dresswear hire, childrens highland wear or for safety.

The Clan Crest Sgian dubh can be supplied with most clan badges. The stag Kinves have simulated horn handles & knifes SK\L & SK\t have leather sheaths.

The highland dirk has, certainly since the 15th centuary, been distinctive fom European Daggers in having a single edged blade.

The heavier blade is perfectly balanced for use as both a dagger or as a short sword.

The oldest style of dirks (DIRK\A) have carved knotwork pommels, plain scabards and simple ornamentation while the 18th Centuary variants have embelished scabards to accomidate a knife and fork in the patern of the highland Regimental Officers' (DIRK\KF).

All these dirks have the finest quality hand wrought tempered steel blades and com with solid cowhide sheaths.

The Targe is available as a wall decoration only (as the sgian dubh's are not removable).

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