Damascus Parrying Ring Dagger with Fluted Hairy Vitex

Product Description for Damascus Parrying Ring Dagger with Fluted Hairy Vitex

Maker: Neels van den Berg, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100778
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 10.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 9.75 in.
Total length: 15.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.91 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.26 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.25 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 10.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 21.8 oz.
Blade: Tightly twisted damascus forged from carbon steel and nickel
Bolster: Bronze quillion ring guard, spacer, and pommel
Handle: Fluted hairy vitex burl inlaid with twisted sterling silver wire
Description: Visiting Journeyman Smith Neels van den Berg's workshop on a recent trip to South Africa with a real treat. His forge is pretty much in the middle of nowhere -- or at least if you kept driving down the road, that is clearly where it would end. The twisting road travels through veldt populated by zebra and other wild animals. Neels is well known for his war hammers, spike hawks, and highly refined knives.
This Damascus Parrying Ring Dagger shows Neels' skills at their best. During the 16th and 17th centuries, European fencing reached the height of popularity. Fencing schools opened up throughout Europe that began training how to fence with two edged weapons instead of a sword and shield. This would not have been possible without the development of the left-handed dagger which played an active role in both offence and defense. The large ring at the hilt of the dagger was used to protect the hand and knuckles when parrying an incoming attack.
The 10 inch dagger ground blade was forged to shape from Neel's own twist pattern damascus, combining nickel and 1070 carbon steel. The fine pattern shows tremendous skill and control at the forge. The blade is hollow ground and perfectly symmetrical. Daggers are one of the hardest blades to grind because it becomes extremely obvious if the blade is not ground perfectly. Neels' makers mark is hand engraved onto the blade.
The handle is made from hairy vitex burl (Vitex obovata). This African wood has a warm brown tone and a tremendous grain pattern reminiscent of redwood burl and thuya burl. The dramatic wood was meticulously hand fluted and set with sterling silver twisted wire. The quillion guard, spacer, ring, and pommel are formed from fluted bronze and features a blackened patina. The handle is exceptionally comfortable in either the left or right hand.
This dagger is a prime example of Neels' exceptional skill as a bladesmith and could easily be the center of any collection.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout!


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