We are aware that recently there have been a few fears raised about a potential knife law which could look to make the possession of certain Sgian Dubh’s illegal. This law has been introduced in order to crack down on the inherent knife crime and concealed weapon culture found in Scotland’s streets.
Shops and online retailers selling any form of knife have been warned to keep them to less than three and a half inches in length but this has led to a large outcry from Scottish highland dress retailers who believe that this law will hit consumers and tourists who want to buy “heritage or highland dress products” the hardest.
Under the far-reaching proposals anyone buying a knife in the restricted category would have to produce photographic ID, and the dealers would have to keep a record of customers and the knives sold.
During its consultation on the controversial plans, a government spokesman said: “This may be a consequence of the scheme, but there is no practical way of exempting tourists from the requirements of the licensing scheme.
“Tourists will still be able to make purchases of sgian dubhs or other small knives that have a length of blade of under three and a half inches, as these will be exempt from the licensing laws.”
We are happy to announce that this law will not affect any of our customers as we can guarantee that all of our Sgian Dubh’s have a blade that measures less than three and a half inches. As an integral part of our highland dress we are adamant that any changes in the law will be met in order that we can continue to stock these fantastically varied and stylish items. We also fully support any law that aims to cut down knife crime in our country.
It is ironic that the whole tradition of carrying a Sgian Dubh in the top of the wearers sock was originally started in order to avoid having concealed weapons. Courtesy and etiquette would demand that when entering the home of a friend, any concealed weapons would be revealed. It follows that the Sgian Dubh would be removed from its hiding place and displayed in the stocking top held securely by the garters. Of course it is now more commonly used for ceremonially cutting haggis or as the perfect way to compliment your kilt outfit.
