Italian rondel dagger by Josh Davis -- myArmoury.com

Michael Zimmermann

Hello there, ladies & gents,

I'd like to give Josh (of Davis Reproductions) a shout-out for the work he did on a recent commission.

I was after a version of the Italian rondel dagger Tod made at the beginning of last year (https://myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?p=327523). He recommended I approach Josh about recreating it.
This I did and was not disappointed by our initial discussion. He was open to my design ideas/alterations and my wanting to send him some of the materials, too.
Throughout the actual work, Josh kept up a steady stream of detailed updates, which I greatly appreciated. This allowed us to avoid the heartache of having to take the piece apart to fix an overlooked issue.

Long-ish story short, I'm very happy with both the process and the result, the latter of which speaks for itself, I think. Do keep him in mind, when considering a new commission.

Measurements (just the dagger):

Overall length: 43,5 cm
Blade length: 31,5 cm
Blade width: 2,6 cm
Blade thickness (base): 0,8 cm
Rondel diameter: 5 cm
Grip length: 8,5 cm
Weight: 291 grms

Overall, I wanted a Burgundian theme for this dagger, hence the firesteels, flint, sparks, St Andrew's cross and the initials of the 'last' ducal couple, Charles and Margaret. The colour scheme is based on Margaret's votive crown in Aachen cathedral, while there's also a link to Maximilian's Italian sword in the KHM (A170).

Victor R. · Posted: Tue 14 May, 2019 5:09 pm Post subject:

Very nice! Great pairing, as well. What is the grip material? Is it a single wood with different staining, or two different woods/materials?

Jean Thibodeau · Posted: Tue 14 May, 2019 5:24 pm Post subject:

J. Nicolaysen · Posted: Tue 14 May, 2019 6:01 pm Post subject:

Holy cow, that is an awesome setup.

It makes me very happy to know that some makers such as Tod feel comfortable with recommending other makers when they are too busy, have too long a queue or just may not be interested in taking a certain project on for whatever reason. It speaks well of their own maturity and generosity.

I've been extremely pleased with Josh Davis' work and have a few things from him, some second hand, some directly from him. I'm planning on more things from him in the future as I know he's got a deep knowledge and great skill.

Love this dagger, the colors, the fittings, everything.

SO, remind me where the sword comes from! Wasn't it from Fabrice Cognot? Or Tod? I remember seeing it somewhere, looks fantastic.

Tim Lison · Posted: Tue 14 May, 2019 11:15 pm Post subject:

That whole setup is crazy good. The rondel is gorgeous. Great job by Josh!!!

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Michael Zimmermann · Posted: Wed 15 May, 2019 2:32 pm Post subject:

Glad we all agree Josh does fine work!

Leo Todeschini · Industry Professional

Great work Josh and you certainly did the design justice - lovely.

And yes the sword and scabbard were by myself and the blade was an off the shelf blade by Albion, which requires quite a deal of reprofiling to make a finished blade - didn't know about the re-grip - lovely work as well.

This ensemble is quite the collective!

Regards

Tod

Josh Davis · Industry Professional

Thanks guys!

It was a very fun project to take on and thanks for recommendation Tod.

-Josh