Clamshell Guard Parrying Dagger with Maple Burl

Product Description for Clamshell Guard Parrying Dagger with Maple Burl

Maker: Rucus Coetzee (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $1,150.00
Item num: 107976
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 15.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 13.25 in.
Total length: 21.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.55 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.25 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.22 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.11 in.
Item weight: 26.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 32.6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 5160 carbon steel with an antique finish
Bolster: Antiqued mild steel shell guard
Handle: Fluted dyed and stabilized maple burl wrapped with twisted brass wire
Sheath: Hand tooled black leather custom sheath
Description: Rucus Coetzee began making knives in 2010 when he started working at Heavin Forge under ABS Mastersmiths Kevin Harvey and Heather Harvey. He began forging blades immediately and joined the Knifemakers' Guild of Southern African in September of 2011 (making him -- at the age of 20 -- the youngest member -- an honor previously held by Kevin Harvey). In 2013, he started his own workshop and began creating many different styles of knives and blades from hunting knives to kitchen knives, though Rucus' interest in bladesmithing comes from his love for history and historical weapons. He spends a lot of time researching these weapons, then creates one of his own. They are never 100% copies of originals. Instead, he tries to introduce his own style into the historically inspired piece.
This Clamshell Guard Parrying Dagger shows Rucus's excellent skills as a bladesmith. 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 clamshell at the hilt of the dagger was used to protect the hand and knuckles when parrying an incoming attack.
The blade is hand forged 5160 carbon steel and features an antiqued finish. 5160 is an exceptional steel for hard use knives. It provides maximum toughness and resistance to breakage while maintaining good wear resistance.
The fluted handle is dyed and stabilized maple burl, wrapped with twisted brass wire. The steel quillion shell guard and pommel are antiqued to match the blade. This dagger is exceptionally well balanced and feels great in hand.
To keep the knife close, a hand tooled leather custom sheath is included.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days