Is the Scottish Dirk a Bollock Dagger? How Do You Wear a Dirk or Bollock Dagger?

One of the most famous and romantic accessories for Highland Dress is the Scottish or Highland Dirk. Though now reserved mainly for display with formal dress and as a part of military-style uniforms, this long dagger is a fearsome weapon.

Highlanders centuries ago perfected the use of the long dirk with the 'Targe' (round shield) as a compliment to the Scottish basket hilted broadsword. It was deadly when used as an off-hand weapon at close quarters, both in duels and on the battlefield.

The Scottish dirk was also a serviceable multi-use weapon used for mundane chores such as cleaning game. It's use as a hunting knife led to later Victorian examples which come equipped with their own smaller knife and fork housed in the dirk's sheath.

Scottish dirks went from practical means of defense to highly decorated luxury items encrusted with silver filigree and semi-precious stones.

However, the knife has a history that stretches back more than 800 years. As with many other items of Scottish traditional culture, the dirk began life outside the Highlands. It was retained in the remote region of the Highlands where having such a capable weapon was still necessary.

As our title suggests, the dirk's predecessor was the Bollocks Dagger. This weapon first appeared in the 14th century but remained popular in Europe well into the 16th. In fact, some of the most beautiful specimens date from Tudor England.

As the name implies, the bollock dagger had a unique shape resembling a man's genitals. This innuendo was entirely intentional, at least later on. The dagger was often worn towards the front as a display of machismo in court. All sexy joking aside, clearly the bollock dagger was a pragmatic weapon with a comfortable grip - easy to wear, hold and use in a moment's notice. No wonder the Highlanders loved it! And can you think of anyone more manly?

In this clip, we discuss the history as well as how the Highlanders wore the Scottish dirk.