The Dirk: "It is not against the law, the law is against it!"

Googling dirks, I came across this page, the website of Rab and Tanya Gordon, who make traditional Celtic and Pictish arts and artifacts in Scotland. Look at the dirk below, made for a wedding and inscribed with the date and the names of the bride and groom:

It has a carved ebony handle and engraved brass fittings. It was used to cut the wedding cake, and the bride later wrote its maker: "Thank you so much for the beautiful dirk you made for us. It gave a much better sense of occasion than an ordinary boring cake knife and it is lovely to have now as a memento of the day."

Above the photos of this exquisite traditional knife is the dismaying statement: "This page shows examples of our past work, however we can no longer sell similar items. Unfortunately, due to recent changes in legislation we cannot supply Dirks without a license, even for export. However, we can continue to make custom Sgian Dubhs with blade lengths of 3.5" or less."

In the above photo, the lower knife is a Sgian Dubh, traditionally tucked into the top of the right stocking when wearing a kilt. Being less than 3.5 inches long, it is legal. However, you won't be able to carve a cake with it and there isn't enough room to get your names engraved on its blade. Your initials will fit, though.

 

Here is Prince Charles  being presented with one of Rab Gordon's exquisite dirks. He looks very pleased with it. But why don't the people standing near him look frightened? Isn't it terribly dangerous? Might he not go on a killing spree at any second? Can anyone in Great Britain be trusted with a pointy object?