I have no intention of stepping on anyone's toes or asking for unfair comparisons, but I would like to get a little forum feedback on something.

There's a medieval dagger (that is, I think it's medieval - geez, one of these days I really need to get some literature on western swords) in the Met that I love. I sincerely hope it is still on display, because if at all possible, I am strongly considering having a replica made of it, and to do so I'd need to take some profile pics, etc. I'm attaching the one photo I do have for you all to enjoy. :)

SO the question is, who would you guys commission to do something like this? I've browsed a few sites and looked at the work of a few smiths, and I have to admit I think a number of them do nice work. Vladimir Cervenka seems like a good choice for me, for instance - seems like he makes nice looking functional stuff for a decent price, and quickly as well. Phoenix Metal Creations would be great, but of course is backed up like nothing else - besides which, he doesn't do the blades themselves, does he? Some of the high end custom guys would probably be able to make a piece significantly surpassing the original in my opinion, but I don't think I could afford either the price or the wait! :)

So what do you guys think? Comments and suggestions welcome.

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I'd talk to the guys at Arms and Armor. The piece isn't so far from ones that they currently do.

That's a Renaissance piece, dated from 1580-1610, I'd say. There's a replica of it already available, and its matching rapier and scabbards, made by Oscar Kolombotavich in the 90's. It's quite nice, though compared to today's standards, its tang isn't very sturdy. I'd hope you weren't going to be using it for sparring, though. The set is quite quite expensive, though. Right now, American Fencers Supply has probably the only non-used one available in the world.

As far as getting a custom version made, I'd knock on the doors of A&A and see if they'd do a custom piece for you. Else, I'd say Erik Stevenson is the man to do it, though he isn't taking any new comissions now.

I also have to say Arms & Armor.

Here are 2 more pictures for you.

________________________________________________
Also, here are pictures taken by Bill Grandy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/3443.html
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/3444.html
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/442.html
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/443.html

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Met. Dagger

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similar parrying dagger from Hermann Historica

Er - It isn't the "Tower Set," is it? Dang... well, without pics I wouldn't buy it anyway.

I'll check out A&A... I actually do not know if I'll be going through with this or not, all depends on how things go financially over the next few months, but I would like to have it made. Anyway, thanks for the comments, I appreciate it - man, I really need to get up to speed with the western stuff, I feel like I'm fumbling in the dark here... ;)

PS - Thanks for the pics and info, nice to have. Personally I prefer the Met's dagger over that other antique, but hey, it is the Met after all...

I'm just going to add to the chorus...A&A!

I do believe Del Tin makes a replica of that dagger right now. It just does not have the engraving on the cross.

Del Tin Makes a similar dagger numbered 5163 and selling for $224.07.
It's 20.5 inches overall in length with a 15 inch blade.

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Still don't like it as much as the one I want. But the Del Tin that Stephen Fisher posted is actually quite nice. If I can't afford to get the Met one custom made, I might look for that model.

Dear Stephen
I've actually had this one over a year now. I ran across it quite by accident.
Upon placing an order I noticed a product number I didn't recognize, so out of
curiosity, I ordered one.

Art

Stephan,
How is it going? That Del Tin that you posted is one that I got from you. It is still sitting on my wall at home. Gabriel, if you can't afford the custom one I would definetly recommend the Del Tin, I have been very happy with it. I believe it is model # DT 2166.

Actually, I can't afford much of anything right now, the sensible part of my brain went on vacation one day and when it returned I had a Howard Clark sanmai tanto. But I still like both the DT dagger and the Met dagger, so perhaps one day in the future... :)

Just FYI, its still on display at the Met...just saw it there yesterday

Gabriel Lebec wrote:

I have no intention of stepping on anyone's toes or asking for unfair comparisons, but I would like to get a little forum feedback on something. There's a medieval dagger (that is, I think it's medieval - geez, one of these days I really need to get some literature on western swords) in the Met that I love. I sincerely hope it is still on display, because if at all possible, I am strongly considering having a replica made of it, and to do so I'd need to take some profile pics, etc. I'm attaching the one photo I do have for you all to enjoy. :) SO the question is, who would you guys commission to do something like this? I've browsed a few sites and looked at the work of a few smiths, and I have to admit I think a number of them do nice work. Vladimir Cervenka seems like a good choice for me, for instance - seems like he makes nice looking functional stuff for a decent price, and quickly as well. Phoenix Metal Creations would be great, but of course is backed up like nothing else - besides which, he doesn't do the blades themselves, does he? Some of the high end custom guys would probably be able to make a piece significantly surpassing the original in my opinion, but I don't think I could afford either the price or the wait! :) So what do you guys think? Comments and suggestions welcome.