[Josh Watson]

I am looking to make a dagger reproduction for someone based on Bohemian or Holy Roman Empire weapons of the 14th century. I have illustrations of hilt and blade, but haven't been able to find out about materials or the underlying construction of the hilt or blade cross-section. Any advice or references would be appreciated.

[Chad Arnow]

We have two Feature Articles that cover medieval dagger forms. They both show 14th century examples.

Wood, steel/iron, and bronze are easy choices for hilt materials. Gold and silver for fancy examples. Which combinations of materials depend on which hilt form you're replicating (rondel, ballock, quillon, baselard).

For blades, a simple diamond cross-section for double-edged daggers is appropriate. A fullered diamond section can work for some as well. For single edged, a triangular (wedge-shaped) cross-section, with or without a fuller, can work. Again, it will depend on form.

I'd suggest you check out books on medieval weapons, including museum catalogues. There are a ton of examples to draw inspiration from.

[G Ezell]

http://www.myArmoury.com/feature_spot_rondel.html
This one shows the ballock dagger, baselard, quillon dagger, ear dagger, and rondel dagger forms right at the top of the page. Of these, the baselard and ear dagger were full-tanged, with the tang and wood/horn/bone/ivory slabs shaped to the profile of the grip. The others are through-tanged, with the tang passing through the guard, handle, and pommel, then peinned. There were always exceptions, but these were (still are) the more common forms of construction for these daggers.

[Steven H]

Are there any particular books you'd recommend for a more detailed look at the subject?

Thanks,
Steven

[Chad Arnow]