Tod Cutler – English / Italian Baselard 14th – 15th Cent.

This Baselard from Tod Cutler has a rigid blade of tempered EN45 high carbon steel and a very thick and reinforced tang and the grip is formed from polished wood scales which are sturdily pinned and directly to the tang for a secure construction. The dagger is paired with a durable sheath of quality leather with stitched construction, lacing to tie it to a belt and a finishing chape of brass.

A very popular Medieval dagger that could be found from Scotland to Italy and all places between. The Baselard had some regional variations and the one reproduced here by Tod Cutler is of a style popular in Italy and England. The broad H-shape grip gives a secure handhold and gives plenty of support for the thrust or make a disarm much more difficult. The blade is stiffened at its base with a hexagonal cross section which transitions to a diamond cross section. The long and stiff blade is designed to puncture handily through thick clothing or to be used as a lever to work its way into and through the weakpoints of an armored harness.