German kidney dagger with scabbard, 16th century
The kidney dagger or ballock dagger - is named for the two distinctive egg-shaped thickenings that form the hand guard and give it a distinctive phallic appearance. This medieval type of dagger was used in various forms throughout Europe from the late Middle Ages (14th century) until the Renaissance. In Britain, modified versions ("dudgeon dagger" in England and "dirk" in Scotland) were still used into the 17th and 18th centuries.
This thrusting weapon, usually wielded as a sidearm along with the sword or rapier, was especially popular with knights because its sharp, pointed blade could penetrate padded armor and chain mail in close combat. The dagger was not only a weapon, but also served as an expression of its owner's wealth. Knights and wealthy citizens often displayed their elaborately crafted and magnificently decorated daggers as a sign of their prestige.
This reconstruction of a 16th century German dagger was made with great care. The EN45 spring steel blade has a diamond-shaped cross-section that tapers to a sharp point - yet the edges remain unsharpened. The tang is screwed to the end of the handle. The handle, with its two-lobed guard, is made from a single piece of wood and reinforced with brass fittings with an antique finish. One end cap is decorated with crosses, while the ends of the downward curved parry plate are decorated with rams' heads.
The German kidney dagger is equipped with a carefully crafted scabbard made of vegetable-tanned leather, with a leather cord that allows it to be attached to the belt. The cross and ram motifs are also found on the brass locating plate.
It is important to note that this Renaissance dagger is not suitable for show combat. Instead, it was created as a collectible or decorative item and is a nice accessory if you want to complete your costume.
Details German kidney dagger with scabbard, 16th century:
Material: blade made of spring steel EN45 (carbon steel, not stainless), pommel and guard made of brass with antique finish, grip piece made of wood.
overall length: ca. 36,5 cm
blade length: ca. 22,2 cm
Blade thickness: approx. 5 mm / 3.5 mm (cutting edges approx. 0.6 mm)
Handle length: approx. 14.3 cm / 16.5 cm with decorative tips (handle section approx. 9 cm)
Max. Blade width: approx. 1.4 cm
Center of gravity: approx. -1.5 cm (on the handle, at the level of the guard)
Incl. scabbard made of genuine leather with brass guard (antique finish) and leather cord
Weight without scabbard: ca. 200 g
Weight with scabbard: ca. 260 g
Depending on the specimen, the above specifications may vary slightly. The steel used here is not stainless and may eventually show slight signs of corrosion. Therefore, we recommend that you take the time to care for the blade regularly - using a product such as Ballistol, a universal oil specifically designed for the care of all types of steelware.
Scope of supply: 1x German kidney dagger with scabbard, 16th century
