Over the last few years I have become more interested in reinforced points and so many daggers of the medieval period have these, but because they can be tricky to make they are not the regular pieces that replica makers undertake. I have a project later this year that has some rather tricky blade sections and transitions and so I have decided to get some practice in before this and so have made four assorted pieces, partly for my personal interest and partly for the practice.
Fundamentally reinforced points are all about making a point that allows the dagger to stab into tough materials like plate armour and maille without getting overly damaged.
The first is a rather utilitarian dagger of an English form and the blade and discs are based loosely on one in the MOL. This is an unfussy, tough dagger with a very heavy spine and although single edged it is 12mm /1/2" thick at the hilt.
The second is a rather more delicate looking German styled dagger with a trIangular blade that has been hollowed until about 60mm from the tip. The dagger is light, but with a blade that is 14mm across the flats it is a very stiff blade.
The thrid is a square tipped bollock dagger based on one In the Rothenberg collection, with what must be one of the most unbreakable blades ever.
The last blade is a double sided hollow ground with a reinforced tip and fitted into a horn and bone Burgundian style grip.
If anyone has any pictures of original reinforced tips, please post them up as they are really very interesting.
Thanks for looking
Tod





