Further Details
The kirpan has both a physical function, as a defensive weapon, as well as a symbolic function. Physically it is an instrument of "ahimsa" or non-violence. The principle of ahimsa is to actively prevent violence; the kirpan is a tool to be used to prevent violence from being done to a defenseless person when all other means to do so have failed. Symbolically, the kirpan represents the power of truth to cut through untruth. It is the cutting edge of the enlightened mind.
A baptised Sikh, a Khalsa Sikh, is a "Sant-Sapie", or a 'saint-soldier'. To satisfy this term, one must first become a saint and then a Soldier. As a saint one must have total control over one's internal vices and be able to constantly be immersed in five virtues as clarified in the SGGS. Only then can a Sikh become a soldier. Also, the Khalsa is "Akal Purakh de fauj" - the Army of God. Guru Gobind Singh clearly chose these words very deliberately - He did not state that the Khalsa was the army of the Khalsa or an army of the Sikhs or the army of Punjab - but an Army of God whose function was the protection and safeguarding of all the peoples of God regardless of religion, race or creed.
Typically made from steel or iron, kirpans range in blade size from over 3 feet (90 cm) to 5 inches (12.7 cm), though Sikhs in the West wear kirpans with a blade of about 3.5 inches as carrying a full-size kirpan in western public may look too intimidating. In the West, some Sikhs wear the kirpan concealed under their clothes. To the Sikhs, it is an article of faith of their religion.The kirpan is always kept sheathed except when it is drawn in religious ceremonies/prayers or to defend one's self and protect others.
Guru Gobind Singh in the following verses instructs the Sikhs to only draw the sword as a last resort and in response to an attack by the aggressor: (22) | Dasam Granth – Zafarnamah
'When all means to keep peace fail, it's righteous to rise the sword' or "When today's time is moved by inappropriate tyranny. With Great fortune you are afforded, The sword Just!" Guru Gobind Singh.
The justification of the use of force as a last resort is for a collective greater good against oppression and tyranny. It is not meant as permission to seek justice for the wrongs committed to an individual.
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