Antique & Sgian Dubh Archive
This page serves as an archive of previous discoveries, offering a valuable resource for those seeking references. The sgian dubh showcased here might have already found new owners. To explore the latest collection available to purchase, kindly visit the store on the website.
The Gaelic sgian dubh meaning “black knife”, where “black” may refer to the usual colour of the handle of the knife. It is also suggested that “black” means secret, or hidden, as in the word blackmail. This is based on the stories and theories surrounding the knife’s origin and the meaning of “Dubh” in Gaelic, in particular those associated with the Highland custom of depositing weapons at the entrance to a house prior to entering as a guest. Despite this practice, a small twin edged-dagger, (‘Mattucashlass’), concealed under the armpit, combined with a smaller knife, (‘Sgian dubh’).
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