Tod Cutler – 14th Century English Rondel Dagger

This particulary fine example of a Rondel dagger is an example of its earlier form from the 14th Century - this early Rondel still has a more traditional dagger pommel instead of a disc pommel typical to later examples. The disc is just the right size to both afford excellent protection to the hand, but also give the hand or thumb something to press against when driving the dagger home - that extended contact with the hand also improves one's control on the dagger notably. The blade on this recreation has a very thick and rigid blade that is a very capable puncturing dagger as befits a bearer who is mindful of the improving armor of the time. The design is clever by giving the blade an exceptionally thick ricasso in order to reinforce the blade, allowing it to be used as a "bar" for leverage in prying through the the gaps in an armored defense or as a lever for controlling an opponent in a grapple - that thick ricasso gives the blade the durability to resist substantial force on a spot that is normally a weak point for thinner daggers. That ricasso rapidly tapers into a second cutting edge giving the dagger two capable edges for very good cutting performance.

The blade is forged from high carbon steel; the guard is a composite with two concave plates of steel intersected by a gorgeous rondel of polished wood. The grip is stout ash wood and the pommel is likewise of steel. Included is a genuine leather sheath made from high quality vegetable tanned leather which is double layered for durability. A beautifully cast brass chape and leather cords for wear complete the sheath.