Tod Cutler – Soldier’s Rondel 15th Century

The very long blade on this 15th Century Rondel make it clear that this dagger was purpose designed for war and campaign and is based on a one from the Royal Armoury in Leeds. Compared to examples which are more lavishly festooned with fine metalwork and intended for knights and nobles, this dagger is more practical in its styling and would have been a sidearm for a man-at-arms, professional warrior or levied soldier.

Though it does not have the fancier accoutrements, nothing was passed over in regards to making the dagger deadly and practical whilst giving it a touch of affordable style. The long blade is very rigid and will serve its bearer well as a can opener for defeating even the most heavily armored opponents in a grapple. This “ice pick” of a blade is securely mounted into a well-carved hilt of stout ash; care was taken to size the grip so that the hand can slot and “lock into” the grip which is just what you need to use the fierce piercing ability of this Rondel to its full extent. In an “ice pick” grip the pommel plate serves as a good anchor point for the thumb. The grip has inlaid braided copper wire that greatly improve the grip of the hand on the dagger and give it a practical flair of embellishment.

The dagger is matched with a sheath handcrafted from thick and genuine vegetable tanned leather of high quality; it is double lined for durablity and features a well-cast chape of brass and an interwoven cord for wear to complete the sheath and dagger.