Tod Cutler – Swiss German Baselard Dagger 14th-15th Century

The Baselard dagger was one of the most widely carried sidearms of the later Middle Ages, found across much of Europe from Italy to Scotland and nearly everywhere in between. Interestingly, the type developed in two distinctly different forms and this example reflects the Swiss–German style that was especially popular during the 14th and 15th centuries. Its wide and stout blade is quite robust and ready for the rigors of war and campaign, as well as everyday self defense in peacetime or when around town. Its blade profile marks it out as a dagger that is capable of both cutting and thrusting alike.

Crafted from tempered high carbon steel, the cross section of the blade is a diamond profile tip which tapers toward a hexagonal form near the guard to give it impressive strength and rigidity at the base of the blade where that strength is appreciated when the dagger is being used as a sharp and brutal level to break into and through the weak points of an armored harness. The hilt is wood with a steel bolster and pommel cap; a full length tang construction with the tang passing through the grip and secured with brass pins and a solid peen over the pommel for an altogether robust construction.

The dagger is matched with a sheath crafted from high quality vegetable tanned leather and is double-lined for durability. A brass chape piece and cords for attaching to a belt complete it for wear.