Tod Cutler – The Dresden Rondel Dagger

The all-steel Dresden Rondel Dagger is a classic late 15th- and early 16th-century form associated with the Landsknecht mercenaries and also found widely throughout Europe. Originating in the workshops of Dresden during the late 15th century, this elegant yet purpose-built dagger was designed primarily for armored combat with its specialized blade suited to defeating an opponent in an armored harness. The small downturn at the front of the guard is characteristic of examples dating from approximately 1500 to 1550, although closely related forms were in use as early as the 1480s. Likely it served to make the dagger more comfortable to wear closely - a nice touch for a self defense tool that would rarely leave the side of its bearer. At about 12 oz in weight the dagger is not heavy, but it has the mass wanted for dealing with a tougher target than is seen on many comparatively lighter daggers.

The dagger features a slender, relatively long (over 10 inch) triangular cross section blade with a pronounced point designed for breaking in between or through the weakpoints in plate armor and splitting apart the mail links beneath. The hilt of steel features the characteristic large rondels that couch and brace the hand to minimize slipping during a puncturing thrust. The large pommel rondel serves as a large striking surface that can get pounded with a gauntlet-bound hand to drive the dagger into a target. The slender grip is almost 4 inches in length and is a comfortable handhold. A double-layer, naturally tanned leather sheath is included and is fitted with a protective copper alloy chape and leather hanging cords.