Scottish Highland Dirks

When we talk about the rich variety of the world of knives, few is as distinctive as the Scottish Dirk. As we know that Daggers and knives have been part of civilian wear and the military dress since the first knives were invented from stone, but only a few remain in cultures, throughout history have taken this utilitarian tool and converted it into an item of most influential cultural significance. The dirk, as developed by the Scots, is one of these weapons.. In the early 1600's, evolving the first true dirks appeared from the medieval ballock dagger. Early Scottish dirks were a direct descendant of the medieval ballock dagger. The grip form began to change, probably sometime in the 16th century, but soon developed a form that was purely Scottish. At that time the black dagger was a stabbing weapon, designed to pierce armor with a heavy sharp-pointed blade. The Scots of the middle Ages and Renaissance spent much of their time in conflict, whether war with England for independence or fighting with other clans for local dominance. As such, the Scots were known to go through their daily lives fully or nearly fully armed, more so than other Europeans of the time. Dirks were influential weapons in war as well as an important tool for everyday tasks, including eating. They were also more affordable than a sword. Taking these things into account, it is easy to see why it was hard to find a Highlander without such a weapon. The dirk continued to evolve. It became the equivalent of the American Bowie Knife, what today we would call a camp knife. Dirk is unique in western culture. Although it comes in an infinite variety, it has always been instantly recognizable as a Scottish Dirk. It differs from other large sheath knives; it has been in continuous use and carried by users since the early 1600's. The dirk is an important weapon, though its area of popularity was limited to the north of Hadrian's Wall known as Scotland. Its popularity is the main reason behind its large presence in today's market.