Historical Stage Combat Rondel Dagger With Carved Wooden Grip - Outlet

Historical Stage Combat Rondel Dagger With Carved Wooden Grip

Historical Context Of Rondel Daggers

Rondel daggers (also known as disc daggers) experienced a massive surge in popularity during the 14th century. They spread across all strata of society and were favoured by peasants, merchants, as well as heavily armoured knights and mercenaries. It was not merely a fearsome weapon for close-quarters combat; it often served as a practical utility tool for everyday tasks. Historical sources, such as the famous combat manual (Fechtbuch) of Master Hans Talhoffer from 1467, illustrate in great detail how effectively these daggers were wielded in the ruthless melee fighting of the era. They were most commonly worn suspended from the belt, ready to be drawn in a fraction of a second.

Construction And Safety Features

This replica is purpose-built for safe contact combat. The blade of the dagger features a deep, 21 cm (8.27 inches) long fuller, which balances and strengthens the weapon. To protect fencers, the blade is equipped with a significantly rounded tip and a blunt striking edge with an impressive thickness of approximately 2 mm (0.08 inches). The grip features deep, spiral carving in the hardwood, which prevents the weapon from slipping out of a sweaty palm. The characteristic circular guards (rondels) protect your hand from sliding onto the blade or being struck by opponent's blows. The dagger is supplied with an elegant black leather scabbard fitted with a belt loop for easy suspension.

Technical Specifications

Safety Warnings And Maintenance

Although the weapon is designed for stage and historical fencing and possesses a blunt blade, strikes with a solid metal weapon can still be very forceful. Always wear adequate protective equipment when fencing, particularly a padded gambeson, heavy gauntlets, and a fencing mask. The blade is manufactured from carbon steel, which is susceptible to rust. After every training session or performance, it is imperative to remove all moisture and sweat from the weapon, and subsequently treat the blade with a thin layer of gun oil (such as Ballistol). We recommend occasionally treating the wooden handle with beeswax or linseed oil to keep the material nourished. Do not leave the dagger stored inside the leather scabbard for extended periods, as leather can draw moisture and cause the blade to rust.

Recommended Accessories

For this rondel dagger, we highly recommend purchasing a period-appropriate leather belt for safely suspending the scabbard, premium preservation oil for the regular maintenance of the steel blade, and sturdy leather gloves that will protect your hands during fierce clashes on the tournament field.