Nova Rondel Dagger

Product Description for Nova Rondel Dagger

Maker: Eugene Du Toit (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $3,300.00
Item num: 112468
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 11.60 in.
Cutting edge length: 11.60 in.
Total length: 18.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.81 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.31 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.24 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 12.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 22.2 oz.
Blade: Hand forged san mai blade combining a 15N20 carbon steel core with antique wrought iron cladding
Bolster: Sculpted copper
Handle: Stabilized spalted maple
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Description: Nova is a stunning poignard by South African bladesmith Eugene Du Toit. It is among his master works to date. The design of Nova (meaning ‘new’ or ‘new beginnings’ in latin) is deeply symbolic for Eugene. From the octagonal guard and pommel - shapes often associated with Christian symbols of rebirth, resurrection and new beginnings, to the floral motif designed to further emphasize the ideal representation of this being the first knife he has crafted since joining the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa.
Eugene Du Toit (b 1978) is an artisan specializing in knifemaking, charcoal drawings, and paintings. A part-time knifemaker since 2018, he is a proud member of the Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa, where he collaborates with fellow artisans and contributes to the vibrant knifemaking community. Eugene creates unique, one-of-a-kind knives that are both visually striking and practical. He only makes a small handful of knives each year. A knife such as this one takes him over 150 hours to complete. For him, knifemaking is more than just a craft — It is a way to merge beauty with utility, honoring traditional techniques while pushing creative boundaries. His work has gained recognition among collectors and knife enthusiasts both regionally and internationally.
The 11-1/2 inch blade is a san mai combining a 15N20 carbon steel core with antique wrought iron sides that have been deeply etched and finished with an iron oxide patina. The contrast created between the core and jet black cladding is stunning! The poignard blade is hand ground with perfect symmetry and is razor sharp.
The intricate basket style guard is forged from copper adorned with deep relief floral hand carving. Eugene used a Japanese metalworking technique to create the three dimensional floral images. This technique involves building up the form through a series of punches and hammers. Copper pins secure the basket to the back of the octagonal wrought iron guard holding it firmly in place.
The frame handle features spalted maple scales secured to the frame using fine silver pins that form the pistil of copper flowers. Front and rear bronze ferrules surround the wood scales. The pommel features two copper plates with a floral motif and fine silver pistil created using chasing and repoussé techniques. The plates are inlaid into a weighted section of wrought iron.
A padded zipper case is included to protect the knife during storage.
Exceptional work throughout! This is easily one of my favorite knives of the year.


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