Scottish Dirk?

mgolab · 31st July 2025, 08:22 PM

I could not pass this one up for the price. Wondering if it is a Scottish dirk. 18.25 inches overall with a 12 inch blade.

Thanks for any comments

toaster5sqn · Today, 06:05 AM

Dirks were traditionally single edged, often made from cut down/broken backswords. Something like that could, perhaps, have been carried by a poorer highlander pre 1746 but I'm not sure your knife looks that old. Once highland arms were legal again in the late 1800s they became a lot more ornate, being an 'authentic' highlander was a game for the well off!

My first guess based on looks and age of the wood would be a WWI trench raiders knife, but it's just a guess. I'm definitely not an expert.

Robert

mgolab · Today, 06:58 PM

Thank you. I just received it. The blade is single edged. Also, very faded, but there appears to be a crown on the blade.

31st July 2025, 08:22 PM	#1
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 96	Scottish Dirk? I could not pass this one up for the price. Wondering if it is a Scottish dirk. 18.25 inches overall with a 12 inch blade. Thanks for any comments Attached Images

Today, 06:05 AM	#2
toaster5sqn Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: New Zealand Posts: 76	Dirks were traditionally single edged, often made from cut down/broken backswords. Something like that could, perhaps, have been carried by a poorer highlander pre 1746 but I'm not sure your knife looks that old. Once highland arms were legal again in the late 1800s they became a lot more ornate, being an 'authentic' highlander was a game for the well off! My first guess based on looks and age of the wood would be a WWI trench raiders knife, but it's just a guess. I'm definitely not an expert. Robert

Today, 06:58 PM	#3
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 96	Thank you. I just received it. The blade is single edged. Also, very faded, but there appears to be a crown on the blade.