Forged Medieval Dagger from File

[AndyAlm]

Hello all. I am new to the blacksmith forum, but I figure the best way to break the ice is to post this picture of a dagger I made from an old file and sold on ebay about a month ago. At 14 inches overall, it's the closest thing to a sword that I've made (yet). The diamond cross section is all forged in by hand and then ground, the blade was oil quenched and tempered to a full spring temper. I figure that with a weapon designed for use against armor, toughness is better than fine edge-holding capacity, no? Anyway, what are your thoughts?

[ApprenticeMan]

Daggers, were not meant really to go against armor, not that kind of dagger at least. Daggers were kind of an everyday tool, carried when it was not really practical to carry a sword. Daggers that were meant to peirce armor, maille mostly, were pretty much big non-edged spikes, with hardened points. A nice dagger like that would be used at the table, and at many other everyday tasks. Nice work.

[Nolano]

Even the daggers that ARE made for combat against armor often were basically spikes with edges, for getting between armor parts. But that is excellent work, dont mean to be critical or anything

[julian]

hey that dagger looks real neat! welcome to IFI it's a great site.

[oakwoodforge]

Nice Blade man, Good job on the whole thing especially the guard to blade fit, that part always give me fits. OH and Welcome to IforgeIron.com


Jens

[Dodge]

Welcome Andy,
I'm a newby when it comes to blade work but having fun learning. I hope I can enventually produce something that nice.

[klickitat]

I am new here too, but thought I would say hi to you as well and to say I like the blade. Very nice. what did you use for the guard?

[AndyAlm]

The guard is just forged steel. I cut the slit in it with a kind of a thick jewelers saw blade. Needless to say that took me a little while.

[Víctor Zamora]

I love your design, very tough, seems handy and dangerous.