10. The Highland dirk was an essential tool for almost every Scotsman and came into its own when fights with the English got up-close and personal
In the 16th century, not every man in the Scottish Highlands could afford to have his own sword. But that doesn’t mean not everybody was armed. Almost every male of fighting age carried a specially-crafted sidearm known as a dirk. A long thrusting dagger around 12 inches in length, it was a soldier’s go-to weapon when fighting got up-close and personal. What’s more, it became far more than a weapon to the Scots, particularly after the English banned them from wearing it after the Battle of Culloden.
In the right hands, the dirk was perfect for close-quarters combat. Its sharp blade could penetrate basic armour, and it was relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for melees, as the English found out to their cost during the first half of the 18th century. Even richer Highlanders who could afford proper swords would still carry dirks, both during peacetime and onto the field of battle. What’s more, a Scot would place a hand on his blade whilst swearing an oath. It was believed that, if he were to then break his word, he would face the wrath of angry spirits.