Damascus Parrying Dagger with Mammoth Molar

Product Description for Damascus Parrying Dagger with Mammoth Molar

Maker: Neels van den Berg, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103553
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 12.70 in.
Cutting edge length: 12.00 in.
Total length: 18.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.03 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.20 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.20 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.10 in.
Item weight: 12.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 25.4 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from 1075 and 1095 carbon steels
Bolster: Antiqued bronze
Handle: Mammoth molar and antiqued bronze
Description: Visiting with Journeyman Smith Neels van den Berg is always 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 gorgeous dagger is among Neel's master works to date!
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 guard at the hilt of the dagger was used to protect the hand and knuckles when parrying an incoming attack.
The 12 inch dagger ground blade was forged to shape from Neel's own damascus, combining 1075 and 1095 carbon steels for excellent toughness and edge holding. It 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 engraved onto the blade.
The handle combines a beautiful section of mammoth molar with fileworked and antiqued bronze. The damascus guard was carved by hand using jeweler's saws and shows off Neel's exceptional skills (and patience!). The antiqued bronze fittings show tremendous detail. This Parrying Dagger could easily be at the center piece of any collection!
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available