Our exquisite Gordon Highlanders – The Highlanders stone-mounted hallmarked sterling silver sgian dubh's are meticulously crafted by our regimental silversmith based in Scotland and officially hallmarked in the historic city of Edinburgh, showcasing the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

The Gordon Highlanders

The Gordon Highlanders, a distinguished line infantry regiment of the British Army, had a noteworthy existence spanning 113 years, from 1881 to 1994. The genesis of the regiment took place on 1 July 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms. This new two-battalion regiment was crafted from the merger of the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot, now the 1st Battalion, and the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, transformed into the 2nd Battalion.

In 1994, the Gordon Highlanders regiment was amalgamated with the Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) to form the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons, and Camerons), marking a significant consolidation in the Scottish military history.

In 2004, during the restructuring of the infantry, it was officially announced that The Highlanders would be amalgamated with the rest of the Scottish infantry regiments to form the unified and formidable Royal Regiment of Scotland. This move marked a significant consolidation of Scottish military heritage and tradition under one banner, uniting the strengths and histories of various regiments into a cohesive force.

The amalgamation took place on 28 March 2006. As with the other Scottish regiments, the Highlanders were permitted to retain their former name as the new battalion's primary title, with the battalion number as a subtitle. They therefore became The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Today the Gordon Highlanders pattern sgian dubh is still worn by 4 Scots.

Our range of fine hallmarked sterling silver sgian dubh’s and dirks made by the Regimental silversmith and Royal silversmiths Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh and our regimental silversmith in Scotland.  We can engrave many of these skean dubhs for presentation gifts.  Many of these skean dubhs complement the silver buckles, kilt pins and Scottish silver buttons we have available from our highland jewellery page.

We have a passion for fine antique and collectible sgian dubh’s and Highland dirks. We source antique Jacobite styles of the 18th century, high Victorian styles and regimental patterns of WW1 – WW2. Our sgian dubh and dirk range make wonderful addition to any Highland dress collection.

Scottish Sgian Dubh

Vintage antique Sgian Dubhs – Scottish sgian dubh from Scotland – 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’).