Main-Gauche Parrying Dagger

Product Description for Main-Gauche Parrying Dagger

Maker: Kevin Harvey, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 89879
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 17.30 in.
Total length: 24.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.20 in.
Item weight: 24.50 oz.
Shipment weight: 31.2 oz.
Blade: Magnetism mosaic damascus forged to shape by Kevin from carbon steels
Bolster: 1000 layer random pattern damascus forged from carbon steels
Handle: Hippo tooth with twisted nickel silver wire wrap
Sheath: Leather wrapped wood sheath with nickel silver and damascus details
Description: The main-gauche (French for "left hand") was used mainly to assist in parrying incoming thrusts, while the dominant hand wielded a rapier or similar longer weapon intended for one-handed use. The parrying dagger was in great use from the European late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, but fell out of favor as sword fighting evolved into the modern sport of fencing.
Mastersmith Kevin Harvey's Main-Gauche is an exceptional example of his work. It is no surprise that it won "Best Historical Knife" at the 2011 Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa Show. We've seen less of Kevin's knives in the United States over the last couple of years and it is exciting to have such a dramatic piece from him.
The long, slender blade measures 17-1/3 inches. It is forged to shape from Kevin's own mosaic damascus steel. It is a accordianed pattern he calls "Magnetism". A long clip keeps the knife light and fast. The spine is fileworked before both sides of the blade move into Spanish notch blade catchers.
The handle is formed from a hippo tooth column with twisted nickel silver wire wrap. The damascus quillions are completed with nickel silver finials. The large knuckle guard is forged to shape from 1000 layer random pattern damascus. The handle is finished with a bronze pommel engraved by Kevin in floral scroll.
The dagger is accompanied by a leather wrapped wood sheath. Both the belt buckle and escutcheon are formed from Kevin's damascus. The tip is formed from textured nickel silver.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available