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Skean Dhu
This is a picture of the traditional close combat knife used by the Scots. Whilst today it has a mainly ceremonial duty (we are civilised after all) it has an interesting history.
There are lots of variations on the spelling of the name, and all are consided valid. These are the most common spellings:
Sgian Dubh
Skhian Dubh
Skene Dhu
Skene Du
Skean Dhu
Skein Dubh
"No matter how you spell it, it's pronounced "skeen doo". In Gaelic, "Sgian" means "knife", and "Dubh" means "black". The handles of the knives are traditionally made from bog oak, which is a dark black hardwood. Black has a dual meaning for these knives; it refers to the handle wood, and also their dark, secretive side. These knives were originally intended to be hidden in the owner's clothing, to be used when taken by surprise as a last means of defense..... "
This description and brief history is taken (with kind permission) from Midmichigander.com
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