Newest creation: Rondel Dagger

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:53 am

Here are some pictures of my newest creation! Questions and comments welcome

Sasha · Post by **Sasha** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 3:27 am

I would like better pics of the blade symetry in order to comment there.

I kind of like the way the handle looks "whittled in the field" instead of cabinet-maker perfect.

I find the pommel-nut disappointingly modern and a bit out of place.

those are the downsides...

Overall, I think it looks really nice. As with all such hangers...It is the sheath, perhaps even more then the blade, that makes the effect, so I am looking forwards to seeing the whole thing.

Sasha

chef de chambre · Post by **chef de chambre** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:44 am

The only "negative" comment I'd say is the nut - I think the overall effect is great, and in the spirit of originals.

Like I've said on another thread, symmetry is a modern obsession, as well as a lack of tiny imperfections, and a mirror polish. Other than for the retaining nut, this looks great.

How much would you charge for such a dagger?

svonbaden · Post by **svonbaden** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:52 am

chef de chambre wrote:How much would you charge for such a dagger?

Strongbow · Post by **Strongbow** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:48 am

svonbaden wrote:
chef de chambre wrote:How much would you charge for such a dagger?

me too...

Been looking for a nice rondel....

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 11:16 am

Yes, I had reservations putting facets into the pommel nut. The original design called for a smooth tang that would have the nut sit on it and the remaining piece of tang would be peined over the nut...a historical solution. But, as I was piecing the dagger together I decided to go ahead and tap and die threads into the end of the tang and the pommel nut to make a more secure fit. The end of the tang would be peined over and no one would be able to tell it was threaded. But, as I was fitting the pommel nut onto the threaded tang end, I needed facets to allow me to tighten the whole together...so I put them on. It makes the whole dagger extremely well-fitted with no vibration, but aesthetically it is out of place. Upon reflection, I will look for some more historical faceted shapes that could be used for the next time :wink:

As for a sheath, the client I'm making this for hasn't specified what he wants to do for a sheath, so for now this is a completed piece. For any of you interested, my client is paying $320 for this dagger. Price will of course vary based on what one wants done on the dagger.

Vitus von Atzinger · Post by **Vitus von Atzinger** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 11:21 am

Symmetry is a modern obsession? Our brains are hard-wired to search for it...

chef de chambre · Post by **chef de chambre** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 11:39 am

You need to look at a wide variety of Medieval objects Vitus - and not just armour (a lack of perfect symmetry occurs abundantly - I will say ubiquitously, in armour).

Overall, a pleasing appearance is seen in most objects, by they are not perfectly symmetrical. The methods used to produce the objects do not allow for a perfect symmetry. To the trained eye, modern copies of Medieval objects stand out as obviously being modern.

Erik,

What are the stats of the dagger (length overall, weight, blade material composition - I assume high carbon, heat treated, etc) ?

mattmaus · Post by **mattmaus** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:42 pm

chef de chambre wrote:How much would you charge for such a dagger?

You'll put an eye out or something!

Padrig · Post by **Padrig** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:36 pm

Very nice.

Thanks for sharing.

Pad

Vitus von Atzinger · Post by **Vitus von Atzinger** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:25 pm

I was thinking about the medieval obsession with the arch, Chef.

Destichado · Post by **Destichado** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:14 pm

You can improve the looks of the rondels greatly by ditching that pommel nut and making another.

Personally I would start with 3/4" square bar stock and cut facets onto the side to make it octagonal, then cut a deep 1/4-round scoop out of the top edge to make roughly a pyramidal shape. By keeping square sides on the bottom half or third of the pommel nut you'll still be able to use standard wrenches, but by faceting the top you'll approximate the appearance of a period peen-block, rather than an obviously modern-looking pommel nut.

lorenzo2 · Post by **lorenzo2** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:57 pm

I like the knife a lot

I saw a local knife maker solve your dilema: He cut decorative file work into the bottom half of the nut before screwing it on. Then after screwing the nut on tightly and peaning it he sliped on a thin protective washer over the nut against the pommel. Then he cut decorative file work in the remaining portion of the nut and removed the washer. Viola, a decorative fileworked nut that could both be used to screw down the handle and yet there was no sign that it started as a modern hex nut shape. I think some variation of this idea could be used to enhance your design.

RenJunkie · Post by **RenJunkie** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:17 am

Clean. That's a good clean utilitarian tool that has a beauty in the execution of it's construction.

Me like.

Christopher