Damascus Clamshell Parrying Dagger with Oak

Product Description for Damascus Clamshell Parrying Dagger with Oak

Maker: Neels van den Berg, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 108689
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 12.20 in.
Cutting edge length: 11.50 in.
Total length: 17.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.25 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.21 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 9.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 25.00 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from 1075 and 15n20 carbon steels
Bolster: Antiqued bronze fittings with a steel clamshell
Handle: Stabilized oak
Description: Visiting with 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. Van den Berg was honored as a Mastersmith at Blade Show in June of 2022, joining an elite rank of the world's best knifemakers. This gorgeous dagger is among Neel's masterworks to date!
During the 16th and 17th centuries, European fencing reached the height of popularity. Fencing schools opened 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 dagger-ground blade was forged to shape from Neel's own damascus, combining 1075 and 15n20 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' touchmark is engraved onto both sides of the blade. The flats and ricasso of both sides of the blade are engraved.
The central column of the handle is a beautiful selection of dyed and stabilized oak. Antiqued bronze fittings nicely complement the colors of the oak selected. The clamshell guard combines blackened steel with antiqued bronze. Both the cross and background features elegant engraving. The pommel can be twisted to disassemble the knife if cleaning or maintenance is needed. Take-down construction requires tighter tolerances and shows Neels' focus on the details.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available