Josh Davis is nearing completion of a ballock dagger and by-knife for me, and I thought people might want to check it out. For those who don't know, Josh is an up-and-coming bladesmith and armourer. He works at A&A in Minneapolis and also does some custom work on the side. People can see more of his work here: http://davisreproductions.com/

I found a ballock dagger with a pommel cap that really spoke to me. Josh and I were kicking around some project ideas and we kept coming back to this one.

[ Linked Image ]

There's a little more info in this thread.

I asked for a by-knife to be added. By this time (mid to late 15th century), a scale tang on the by-knife would be more common, but I asked for a whittle tang construction.

It's not quite done yet. The by-knife cap, which features a gothic C, wasn't quite finished when these pics were done. The dagger itself is basically done, I believe. The scabbard core is done, but the leather work hasn't been finished yet.

I think Josh has done a great job. :)

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Earlier shot showing the detail on the "quillons"

Amazing stuff ...
I am jealous ! I have not been down to the shop for a week or two but will be there to pick up the stock for the MN Renaissance Faire and will hope to be able to see your new set in person.
Best
Tim

Great work as always from Josh and I am looking forward to seeing it finished. Particularly like the execution of the pommel caps.

Congratulations.

Tod

Being the proud owner of a few pieces by Josh, I can only agree with what's already been said - his knowledge of period designs and technique, his passion for research and bold experimentation, and his wide-ranging technical skills add up to stunning work.

I'm really glad you got to add one to your collection, Chad! (And does that mean we'll be due for an update group photo sometime soon? :D )

That is beautiful - a real fine piece of work. I'm jealous, and inspired to one day perhaps own a ballock dagger as fine.... thanks for posting

Thanks for the compliments, folks. I'm looking forward to seeing it done.

Tim,
I'm a little jealous you might get to see it in the flesh before I do. :) I saw it in progress when I was in the shop last month, but it's come a long way since then.

Tod,
That means a lot coming from you. Cheers!

Mark,
I'd love to see your pieces from Josh (in whatever thread is most appropriate).

I'll do an updated group shot when I get two more in-progress things in-hand. One is from Arma Bohemia. The other is from Josh. I think it'll surprise some people. It's an odd example and to see the original and the repro will open some eyes. Josh has yet to start that one and I think it'll take a while.

Jean,
Thanks! I'll do a formal review for the site with lots of pictures, as I often do. It's great to work with Josh and watch him develop. I'm happy to have gotten on his list now before his queue fills up and gets more expensive. :)

Greg,
Thanks! This will be one of two ballock daggers in my collection. The other is here. Both have detailed pommel caps with religious themes and date from similar time frames. But they are different in other ways, especially the blades and some proportional things. I'm amazed how much variety there is within the ballock dagger family. I see the dagger in this thread as the civilian, everyday dagger that could serve in a military role if needed, while my other ballock dagger (with its square spike blade) is all military in form.

Latest progress pics of the scabbard, which just needs to be dyed.

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I find this absolutely beautiful and an outstanding and unique set. While I appreciate every aspect of it, oddly, what I love the most about it is that simple by-knife with its pommel cap. I don't recall ever seeing something of its like, and now must add to my long list of "things to get some day" a by-knife & pricker (whether separately or with bollock is to be determined) with engraved bronze or copper pommel caps.

Was this idea from an extant example, or just something that seemed fitting with the manner of the bollock's construction? Either way, to me at least, it is pure genius and an idea I hope you don't mind if I steal somewhere down the line.

Thanks for sharing.

With both jealousy and great appreciation. -Victor

Latest pics with the scabbard dyed a dark green. Should be on its way to me soon.

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Great stuff!

Josh's study of medieval leatherwork really shines through in this ... can't wait to see what he comes up with for a couple of scabbards I have in the works - and can't wait to see his next commission for you Chad! ;)

That's a really attractive set-up there Chad. Congratulations. It has a wonderful harmony about it.

Fantastic piece! Inspiring, too. I've wanted to try one of those caps for some time, but I don't have an appropriate blade. Someday....

I received the dagger set today. I own and have owned a number of custom daggers by top end makers. This set is as good or better than anything else I have, and I don't say that lightly.

Among many little details, one thing that really struck me is the size of the pommel cap (or lack thereof). In hand, I realized how small it is and how much detail is packed into about a 1.65 inch wide space. Looking at pictures of the engraving on my screen, you see a good amount of detail, but you lose the sense of it when it's blown up to several inches wide on the monitor. Tons of detail in a small space. See below for some of that perspective.

Expect a full review for the site with lots of pics in the coming months.

This is pretty darn great. :)

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Turned out as good or better than the initial pictures indicated. That set sure is a beauty, from the overall lines/shapes to the last detail, from the rather dramatic flair of the handle to the sheath detail.

Congratulations on a fine piece Chad.