| Medieval daggers had many and various
forms, but there were only two main kinds of blade. One, the
true dagger blade tapered sharply and was double edged, while
the other was the knife blade with a 'back' and a single curved
edge. Before the 13th century daggers were considered the arm
of peasants but, after that, they became more popular and were
incorporated as part of a Knight's equipment. They were usually
worn over the right hip hanging from the belt.
From about 1325 onward to the end of the medieval
period, there seem to have been three basic kinds of dagger.
The 'Basilard' was one kind, having a double edged blade which
tapered sharply and was usually quite broad at the guard.
It was more often carried with civil dress (though sometimes
it was worn with armour). The 'Basilard' was first used in
the late 13th century and was very popular in the 14th century.
The different colours and grains of the woods
used complement each other and enhance the austere elegance
of the blade.
Specifications:
blade type; double edge flattened diamond
with triple fuller
blade length; 44 cm., 17 inches
overall length; 60 cm., 24 inches
Woods used:
blade; rimu (sapwood)
cross-guard; puriri
pommel; rimu (heartwood)
Reference*:
The Sword in the Age of Chivalry, R. Ewart
Oakeshott F.S.A.
Arms and Armour Press, Revised Edit. 1981
A Knight and His Weapons, R. Ewart Oakeshott
F.S.A.
Lutterworth Press, 1964
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