The best sgian dubh knife plays an important part of the Scottish kilt uniform worn today.
It was originally used for cutting meat and other foods, but today is worn in the hose of the outfit with only the top portion sticking out and visible.
It is inserted in the top of the hose with only the top of the hilt showing.
Normally, it is placed on the same side as the dominant hand.
It can also be used for protection and for cutting material.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best sgian dubh knives below.
Contents:
Top 10 Sgian Dubh Knives
1. 9-Inch Thor’s Hammer Twisted Steel Celtic Scottish Dirk Wedding Athame Dagger
With a double-edged look, but only sharp on one side, this dagger is both attractive and functional is one of the best sgian dubh knives. Its unique Celtic design is a real head-turner, and its stainless-steel blade is the perfect size at 3/16”.
It is a beautiful silver color and one of the best sgian dubh knives out there. The knife also has a gorgeous shiny gem on the end of the handle, making it a true eye-catcher.
The advantages of the best sgian dubh blade include:
- The perfect size for most people;
- Gorgeous design and look;
- High-quality stainless-steel design.
The disadvantages include:
- Some have complained of the overall quality of the knife.
2. Boker O2SC359 Best Sgian Dubh Knife
Lightweight at only six ounces, this is a high-quality knife made with a black Micarta handle and a blade that is roughly four inches long.
This stainless-steel sgian dubh blade is guaranteed to last a very long time, and it’s sleek, classic design makes it a knife you’ll be proud to show off to others. It also comes with a beautiful black leather sheath with a convenient clip.
The advantages of this sgian-dubh knife include:
- It’s a classic, beautiful design;
- Its satin-finished blade that comes to a point;
- A more modern version of the Scottish stocking knife.
The disadvantages include:
- Some have complained about the poor quality.
3. Moran Irish Coat of Arms Sgian Dubh
A high-quality knife with a gem on the end of the handle, it comes with your coat of arms on the handle and a stainless-steel blade that is guaranteed to last a very long time.
The blade comes to a point at the tip, and it is available in either pewter or sterling silver. Because it is custom made, it is one of the best sgian dubh knives available, so this is one purchase you will never regret making.
The advantages of this sgian dubh knife include:
- Your choice of three different colored gems;
- It is a perfect sized 7.5-inch knife;
- High-quality silver nickel-plated fittings.
4. Celtic Pocket Knife – Hand-Forged Knife with Hardened Blade
For people who love art and antiques, this pocket knife is the perfect gift. This is a true hand-forged product that is roughly three inches long and comes with a high-quality leather case.
It is sturdily made and guaranteed to please, and its case comes with a leather strap so you can wear it around your neck. When you’re looking for the perfect sgian dubh for sale, this is it, and it is great for both hunting and recreational purposes.
The advantages of this sgian dubh include:
- Manually processed leather for uniqueness;
- It is very sharp and is great for hunting and fishing;
- Sturdily made and built to last.
The disadvantages include:
- Some have complained about the smell and overall quality of the knife.
5. SZCO Supplies DM-1077 Damascus Dirk Knife
With a decorative handle and a high-quality steel blade, this dirk knife is 14 inches long and comes complete with a real leather sheath. Researching the best sgian dubh means finding a variety of knives, including ones such as these.
The pommel, guard, and spacers are all made out of top-notch Damascus steel, and even its sharp-tipped blade is nicely decorated for extra attractiveness. Both attractive and functional, this is a great knife to have in your collection.
The advantages of this dirk knife include:
- Its beautiful design;
- Its high-quality materials;
- Its convenient leather case.
The disadvantages include:
- Some have complained about it breaking shortly after purchase.
6. Wild Turkey Handmade Damascus Collection Dirk Sgian Dubh Knife with Leather Sheath
You can tell this knife is handmade because of its unique look and design. All Irish and Scottish sgian dubh knives are uniquely designed and look great with the rest of your kilt outfit. This one is no different.
Both the handle and the knife itself are decorative in nature, and the twisted Pakawood handle makes it easy to hold and utilize every time. The leather sheath also makes it easy to carry around from one place to another.
The advantages of this sgian dubh include:
- It has a beautiful overall design;
- The 12.75-inch design is quite an eye-catcher;
- The sheath is double stitched for extra sturdiness.
The disadvantages include:
- Some have had concerns about the size versus what it looks like online.
7. BladesUSA Hk-26083 Series Historical Short Sword 9-Inch Overall
With a stainless-steel blade and a beautiful gem at the end of the handle, this short sword comes to a point at the tip and has a thick blade. Therefore, it is not a sharp blade and does well when worn with the traditional Scottish outfit.
The handle has a wood look and beautiful decorations on it, and the sheath complements it and makes it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. One of the best sgian-dubh knives around, you won’t regret making this purchase.
The advantages of this sword include:
- A beautiful look and design;
- A sturdy blade that guarantees its longevity;
- Perfect for costumes and just for decoration.
The disadvantages include:
- Some have complained about it being too heavy and bulky.
8. Scottish Budget Safety Sgian Dubh
Although this sgian dubh knife has no actual blade, the imitation product has a black resin handle and is great for all types of kilt outfits. It is a beautiful silver-grey color and is uniquely designed in the handle area. It has a thistle emblem on it and comes in either a matte or polished look.
It is also lightweight at only around eight ounces, so you can easily carry it around wherever you need to take it. It is also the perfect knife to take to events that do not allow edged weapons or real knives.
The advantages of this sgian dubh knife include:
- Bladeless and, therefore, very safe for everyone;
- A very attractive silver-grey color;
- A high-quality handle for easy maneuvering.
9. Genuine Sambar Stag Handle Sheffield Carbon Steel Sgian Dubh Boxed with Leather Sheath
If you’re looking for the best sgian dubh knife on the market, this is definitely one to consider. It has a stag horn handle and a carbon blade, and the sheath is genuine leather.
High in quality and built to last a long time, this top-notch knife is one you won’t regret purchasing. It is both attractive and functional, and it is also lightweight and has a smooth finish for an amazing overall look.
The advantages of this sgian dubh knife include:
- It is very well made and durable;
- Its stag horn handle has a beautiful look;
- It offers great workmanship.
The disadvantages include:
- There have been some concerns about its small size.
10. Eight Inch Celtic Scottish Dirk Sgian Dubh Dagger Knife with Sheath
This is a historical type of knife with a variety of purposes, and it has a stainless-steel blade with an acid-etched design on it. Whether you are looking for the right Scottish or Irish sgian dubh knife, you will love this particular dagger.
Its black-and-silver design is quite eye-catching, and it is a short sword with a lot of detail in the design. A great gift for any of the collectors you know.
The advantages of this sgian dubh knife include:
- It’s a unique, very attractive look;
- A great replica of a historical dagger knife;
- A lot of bang for your buck.
What Is a Sgian Dubh
The meaning of the name Sgian Dubh is “black knife” but can also mean “black dagger.” A sgian dubh is a knife used during a ceremony to cut the cake. These single-edges knives are worn with Scotland Highland dresses as well as a kilt as a tradition.
It was originally used for cutting food such as cheese and other meats. This can still be done today as they are great for peeling fruits such as oranges, but it’s more commonly worn for tradition and only used during a ceremony.
They used to be worn by soldiers when they went into battle. Today they are more formal wear, but there is a military sgian dubh. These tend to have brass fittings on both the knife and the sheaf with a basket weave design carved onto the grip.
How to Wear a Sgian Dubh
The sgian dubh is tucked into the sock of your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, then the knife will be worn on the right leg tucked into the outside top of your kilt sock. If you are left-handed, it will go on your left leg. The blade should be tucked into the sock, leaving only the handle visible.
It should be tucked and held in place by the hose (sock). If the knife keeps falling, you need to wear socks that are snugger. The knife should be able to stay in place within the sock and not fall. However, there are some socks that have rubberized ends that help keep the knife in place.
How to Hold a Sgian Dubh
You want to have a firm grip on the handle. This is important because having a loose grip on the knife while using it can cause you to lose your grip and end up cutting yourself. Some people like to have their index finger near the end of the handle towards the blade when cutting the cake at a ceremony. This gives more precision when cutting the cake.
However, this is only recommended when using a slow and steady motion with the knife. Holding a knife like this while using it in a fast-paced motion can cause injury.
How to Attach a Sgian Dubh to a Belt
Often people like to tie around the small part of the handle on the knife and tie that either around the belt without going through the holes or tie it going through the holes.
It’s important to know that there is a difference between a dirk and a sgian dubh. The difference is the size. The dirk is generally worn on the side, while the sgian dubh can be small enough to fit inside a pocket. Of course, the sgian dubh is also generally tucked into the kilt sock, but some people like to tie it to their belts.
If that’s the case, you can tell if it’s a dirk or a sgian dubh by looking at the size. Dirk is bigger, and sgian dubh is smaller.
