Hi everyone,

I need your recommendations,

I'm looking for a high quality, tough as nails, rondel dagger--a real icesicle in steel. I want the blade to be at least 12inches, but would prefer 16. I looked at Lutel's--which I like, but I can't get over the welded tangs. Cas/Iberia has some nice ones but I suspect mass production cheapness. Any suggestions? It needs to compliment an Albion Knecht and Meister rig.

Thank you,

Charlee

Just looked at the Arms & Armor #110---looks great but don't like the blond wood on the dagger in the myArmoury review.
Is that wood optional?

Charlee

For questions about wood choices for A&A's rondel dagger, you might want to ask A&A directly. :) The stabilized light wood is the stock option, but they customize and make custom weapons. Check out their custom section for examples. I'm not sure a late 14th century dagger like theirs would go with your late 15th century-into the 16th century swords, though.

I'm not aware of CAS Iberia having any decent rondel daggers.

Arma Bohemia makes nice rondel daggers. See this review: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_ab_rondel.html They have many more on their site and do custom work as well.

Tod's Stuff makes nice rondel daggers. I love the 14th century rondel dagger he made for me. He even has a few on-hand right now (contact him for what's available: http://www.todsstuff.co.uk/0 Since the stuff is custom, you can get exactly what you want if what he has in stock doesn't work. He's a pleasure to work with and his delivery times are pretty good for this industry.

We have reviews of both Del Tin rondel daggers on our reviews page as well, as well as reviews of rondel daggers by other makers.

Chad,

Thanks so much for the wealth of information.

Charlee

Here are some examples of Tod's work.

First, my 14th century dagger:

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Misc. rondels by Tod

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More rondels by Tod

Chad,

I love that first brass handled example! That lanyard loop on the butt cap is so smart. Even the seam looks authentic and makes sense for rain to drain out when worn in the field. It’s very very beautiful and ancient looking yet utilitarian.
I’ve got to have one!

Thank you! You made my day!

Best Regards,

Charlee

Well,

Just looking at the dagger---my mind reflects back to my Marine Corps weapons handling in the field. Thinking from a practical stand point of having to lug these things in the rain, mud, snow---they have to be able to shed the elements. In regards to this Rondel, it seems the rain would run down the blade and fill the handle cavity of brass around the blade tang. If there were no relief seam for drainage---dry time would slow down inside thus incurring rust. Whether the bladesmith thought of this or it being just a design anomaly, I don't know. But this was what I meant. If it is a true replica of a historical piece--then there may be some relevance.

Charlee

Here's a link to a recipie for "Cutler's Pitch" ( or resin) as Chad mentioned. I thought it might come in handy for a multitude of uses as well as blade protection.

http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index.php?showtopic=1403

Cheers !

Merv,

Great link! Read it all---I'm always looking for ways to preserve my weapons in storage.

Thank you!



Chad,

I guess I misinterpreted the photo. It looks like there is a joined seam running along the brass handle. But on closer inspection, I now see now it's merely an indented ridge. Anyway, it led to an interesting aside.

Tod's rondels look great.What about their durability and sharpness?