German parry dagger with scabbard, 16th century 0216202100

German parier dagger with leather sheath, 16th century

The late medieval/Renaissance parry dagger (also sometimes referred to as a quillon dagger after the English term) got its name from the shape of its handguard, which was basically a scaled-down version of the crossguard used for broadswords of that era. This particular type of dagger, often fitted with a protruding ring or half-ring on one side of the parry, was designed for parrying or blocking enemy blades in close combat, and its pointed blade with a sharp point was ideal for piercing or puncturing upholstered armour and chainmail where gaps in plate armour could be used to stab the opponent. Usually used as a side weapon in addition to the sword or rapier and appearing in many different variations, the parry dagger enjoyed great popularity among knights, mercenaries (the notorious, mostly German mercenaries of the late 15th and 16th centuries) and even wealthy citizens.

The beautiful stabbing weapon we offer here is based on an original piece from the early 16th century (ca. 1510-1540) now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art ( The Met ) located in New York City. The blade is made of EN45 spring steel, has a diamond-shaped cross-section and tapers to a sharp point. The cutting edges are not sharpened and the tang is screwed onto the end of the handle (threaded nut). The guard and pommel, both artistically crafted, are made of brass with an antique finish and the handle is carved from wood. The guard, which widens slightly on both sides towards the end, is fitted with a B-shaped side ring and the hexagonal pommel terminates at the top and ends with a flat, beautifully decorated cap.

The Landsknecht/knight's dagger is supplied with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath, carefully sewn with clever fittings (a cape with a button and a mouth strap with movable support rings for attaching to the belt).

It should be noted that this Renaissance dagger is not suitable for display combat. It is designed as a collector's item or decorative object and is also ideal as an accessory, for example to complete your costume.

Details:
- Material: EN45 spring steel blade (carbon steel, not stainless), antique finished brass knob and guard/protection ring, wooden handle
- Total length: approx.36.5
cm
- Blade length: approx. .25 cm - Blade thickness: approx. 4.5 mm / 3.7 mm (cutting edges approx. 0.6 mm)
- Handle length: approx. 11.5cm (handle area approx. 8cm)
- Maximum blade width: approx. 1.9 cm
- Center of gravity: approx. -0.5 cm (at the handle, directly behind the guard)
- Includes genuine leather sheath with brass hardware and support rings (antique finish)
- Weight without case: approx. 210 g
- Weight with case: approx. 270 g

The above specifications may vary slightly from item to item.

The steel used here is not stainless and may have slight traces of corrosion. We recommend regular maintenance of the blade, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil that is ideal for preserving steel goods.