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.
One was the 'Rondel', a military dagger with a narrow single
edged blade and a flat back. The guard and pommel were formed
of discs or 'roundels' set at either end of the grip. Some
of these daggers were 20 inches (50 cm) or more in length,
almost like short swords. They were popular in the 14th and
15th centuries.
The different colours and grains of the woods
used complement each other and enhance the austere elegance
of the blade.
Specifications:
blade type; single edge, flat back
blade length; 45 cm., 17 inches
overall length; 58 cm., 23 inches
Woods used:
blade; rimu (sapwood)
cross-guard; macrocarpa
pommel; macrocarpa
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
|
