I’m hoping some Dopers in the UK may be able to assist with a problem I have.
The short of it - is it legal to bring a blade (dirk) back into the UK, if it as a single blade, purely for personal use, and likely a cosmetic blade anyway (as opposed to one properly designed to stab things)
The long of it is - I’m getting married in April, and I will be doing so dressed in a Kilt and full Bonny Prince Charlie suit.
As a gift for my Groomsmen I was looking at a Scottish Regimental Dirk, suitably engraved. This will act as both a thank you gift, and a cool looking accessory to go with the kilts. Here’s what I’m talking about
Anyway, one of my groomsmen is, coincidentally, travelling from Scotland to attend, and I would hate it if the dirk was to be confiscated by Customs when he tried to return home.
So if he carries it in his checked baggage, and decalres it to customs, will UK customs law allow him to keep it, and bring it into the country?
A dirk is a sizable blade, and they are fairly pricey. A Scotsman might opt for Sgian Dubhs instead. Literally “black knife” traditionally worn protruding from the strong side hose. The link above is for a merchant I’ve had good experience with, BTW.
This is correct, a dirk isn’t part of any Highland costume I’ve seen, and certainly not for a wedding. A sgian dubh is what you need. I notice the linked vendor seems to make a distinction between horn-handled and black-handled for day/night wear. This is not adhered to here.
ETA although I hasten to add a dirk makes a fine gift otherwise!
I’ve already organised a Sgain Dubh for myself. The groomsen get little plastic replicas as part of the kilt hire.
That link is a very expensive dirk. I’m getting mine for $150 AUD each. Admittedly they aren’t “real” blades. i.e. won’t hold an edge but for display purposes the ones I’m getting are fine.
I understand the dirks don’t generally form part of a highland costume. I hit upon the idea after much searching for a unique thank you gift for my groomsmen. (I didn’t want to go the boring old hip flask, or similiar). All of us being somewhat geeky into Role Playing Games and what have you, I hit upon swords.
I was going to get a couple of “Court Swords” which are basic middle ages/arthurian style “long swords”. But I stumbled onto the regimental dirks at the same store and though they would be far more appropiate.
