The Renaissance was a period in European history, from the 14th _17th century, that is regarded as the cultural bridge between the Middle ages and modern history. During this period the fighting arts and associated weaponry also went through change. This period gave birth to weapons like the elegant and refined rapier, designed more for duelling and protection than for use on the battlefield.
Primarily carried as a companion sidearm, the parrying dagger enjoyed great popularity at the end of the late Middle Ages and especially during the Renaissance. Wielded in the left hand (hence also known as a main gauche – French for "left hand"), it was usually brought into play in conjunction with a primary weapon – sword or rapier – for a two-handed fighting style. With its prominent guard, which offered protection to the off-hand and appeared in many variations (straight, S-shaped, downturned, sometimes equipped with an additional ring or shell), this secondary weapon was essentially of a defensive nature, devised to parry, deflect, block or trap enemy blades in close-quarters combat. However, it was also effective in the offence and quite capable of stabbing an opponent. Besides, artfully crafted and richly ornamented daggers were also used as a fashionable display of wealth by knights and well-to-do townsmen, who ostentatiously carried them as a status symbol.
The good value, battle-ready dagger we offer here features the typical characteristics of a traditional Renaissance parrying dagger. The unsharpened full-tang blade made of EN45 spring steel was hardened, tempered to a Rockwell hardness of approx. 48 HRC, and is (invisibly) threaded to the pommel. It has a broad central fuller that ends about halfway down its length. The hilt is composed of a four-sided wooden core grip overlaid with black leather and framed by a scent-stopper pommel and a sturdy, approx. 12 cm wide cross guard, both made of steel. The guard's quillons curve towards the blade and terminate with tapered, conical finials.
This handsome thrusting weapon comes complete with a sturdy (approx. 3 mm thick), neatly stitched sheath made of brown, vegetable-tanned leather and equipped with a belt loop.
The blade's blunt, 1.5 mm / 2 mm thick edges and rounded tip make this left-hand dagger ideal for light combat re-enactment, stage fighting or sparring. Of course, it is also perfectly suited as a collectible, decoration/display piece or prop, e.g. to complete your costume.
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