Late medieval knife for re-enactment and camp
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- Item out of stock
The knife in the late Middle Ages: an everyday object, not a weapon
In the Late Middle Ages, the knife was one of the most commonplace objects of all – and this was true across all social classes. From farmers and craftsmen to travelling merchants: anyone on the move between the 13th and 16th centuries carried a knife on their belt. Not as a status symbol, but as an essential tool for the table, the kitchen, crafts and the market. It was used to cut meat and bread, snip twine and work with wood – the knife was the Swiss Army knife of the Middle Ages.
Archaeological finds and illuminated manuscripts alike show us the typical way of carrying it: the knife was sheathed in leather and hung from the belt, ready to hand for any task. The Maciejowski Bible (c. 1250) – also known as the Crusader Bible – provides iconographic evidence of table knives and everyday blades as they were used in courtly and military settings. Archaeological finds from London, Novgorod and southern Germany reveal a wide range of blade shapes: from narrow table knives to broad kitchen knives with a characteristically straight edge.
Anyone setting up a historically accurate camp or wishing to appear authentic as a re-enactor cannot do without a suitable late medieval knife. The items in this category cover depictions from the 12th to the 16th century – from simple utility knives with wooden handles to elaborate serving knives with brass bolsters and horn handles.
A comparison of handle materials: wood, horn and bone
The choice of handle material influences not only the appearance but also the historical accuracy of the re-enactment. The three most common materials for late medieval knife handles are wood, horn and bone – all three are historically documented and available in our range.
| Material | Character | Historical classification |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Widespread | The most common handle material, inexpensive, non-slip – typical of working and utility knives used by all sections of the population |
| Natural white horn | Historically documented | Light, slightly translucent appearance – suits bourgeois or commercial depictions well |
| Black horn | Historically documented | Darker, compact buffalo horn – sophisticated appearance, documented for citizens, traders and travelling merchants |
| Bone / Leg | Historically documented | Similar appearance to horn, slightly rough surface, good durability – frequently found in archaeological finds |
Brass rivets are used as fasteners for all three handle variants – historically accurate and durable. The rivets permanently join the handle plates and blade and are regularly found on original archaeological finds.
Stainless steel or carbon steel – which is right for the market?
This is a question many people ask themselves when looking for a medieval knife for regular use. The answer depends on how you intend to use the knife.
- Rust-free, easy to maintain, suitable for everyday use
- No discolouration from moisture or food
- Ideal for regular use at markets and in military camps
- Main material in this category’s range
- Visually contemporary, historically acceptable for most re-enactments
- More historically authentic than stainless steel
- Can be sharpened to a finer edge
- Develops a patina and character over time
- Requires more care: dry, lightly oil, protect from moisture
- Recommended for demanding re-enactment performances
Stainless steel is clearly the better choice for market stalls and everyday use in the camp: no rust, no stains, no time-consuming maintenance between events. Those seeking more historically accurate pieces will find hand-forged blades in our ‘rustic and hand-forged chef’s knives’ category.
Historical models: Which knife shape suits which re-enactment?
Early narrow blades
Single-edged, slender, often with a straight back – the typical shape of the High and early Late Middle Ages. Quill and sharpening knives of this shape are historically documented for the 11th to 14th centuries and are suitable for a wide range of historical periods.
Table knives based on the Maciejowski Bible
The Maciejowski Bible (c. 1250) depicts table knives with characteristic handle shapes. Our hand-forged stainless steel table knife is directly modelled on these depictions – suitable for lavish banquets and celebrations from the 13th century onwards.
Wider chef’s knives and household knives
By the 14th century, the household knife had established itself as the commoner’s side knife – wider than the table knife, with a shorter back slope. Chef’s knives of this shape are ideal for camp kitchens and depictions of town life from the 14th to the 16th century.
Elaborate handle designs
In the 15th century, knife handles became more elaborate: brass ferrules, horn handles, riveted through with visible rivets. The knives with a 14.5 cm stainless steel blade, available with horn, wood or bone handles, are designed specifically for this period – suitable for re-enactments from 1400 to 1500.
Find the right knife for your price range
Stainless steel quill and sharpening knives in the style of the 11th to 14th centuries – also available as clearance items. An affordable, functional entry-level solution for anyone looking for their first historical knife or building a reenactment set with simpler tools. Available with wooden, natural or black handles.
Utility and table knives with handle plates, solid brass rivets and leather sheaths – the best-selling range in this category. Available with wooden, horn or bone handles, suitable for re-enactments from 1200 to 1500. Sturdy everyday knives for the market, camp and table.
Chef’s knives / kitchen knives, serving knives based on the Maciejowski Bible and replicas with elaborate handle designs. For reenactments where the knife is also placed on the table or takes centre stage. Price range in the collection up to €42.
Knife types at a glance: from table knives to chef’s knives
Dining knives & utility knives
Narrow, single-edged, lightweight – the classic found on every market-goer’s belt. Blade lengths usually between 8.5 and 14.5 cm, handle made of wood, horn or bone. Suitable for almost any re-enactment set between 1200 and 1500.
Chef’s knives & utility knives
Wider blade, more pronounced spine – the workhorse of the camp kitchen. Also used as a civilian side knife from the 14th century onwards. Available with a horn or bone handle and leather sheath.
Quill pen & sharpening knife
Narrow, tapered blades for cutting quill pens or working with parchment. Affordable starter pieces, historically documented for the 11th–14th centuries. Can also be used as a serving knife at larger camp festivals.
Care, sheaths and other accessories
The leather sheath is part of the historically accurate carrying concept – it is already included with most knives in this category. It protects the blade, allows the knife to be carried on a belt and is archaeologically attested throughout the Middle Ages. Those wishing to maintain the sheath themselves will find suitable care products in the Leather Dye & Leather Grease section.
Stainless steel blades require hardly any maintenance in everyday use: simply wipe them down after use, store them in a dry place – that’s it. Carbon steel blades, on the other hand, should be thoroughly dried after use and protected with a light film of oil to prevent rust. A soft cloth and a neutral care oil are perfectly sufficient.
For a complete camping experience, we recommend adding cutlery sets, a fork and awl or spoon – historically, these items belonged together and were often carried together in a pouch or on a belt. If you’re looking for individual items, you’ll find them in the ‘Accessories for Medieval Knives and Cutlery’ category.
Whether you’re looking for a slim dining knife for your next city camp, a sturdy chef’s knife for the campfire, or a serving knife based on historical designs – in this category you’ll find the right pieces for reenactments from the 12th to the 16th century. Browse through the range and choose the knife that suits your reenactment.
Frequently Asked Questions
For beginners, we recommend the stainless steel quill and sharpening knives, starting from around €10. They are historically documented for the 11th to 14th centuries, are easy to maintain and come with a leather sheath. If you’re looking to invest a little more, opt for a utility or table knife with handle plates and brass rivets – these pieces are suitable for reenactments from 1200 to 1500 and offer a wider range of handle options (wood, horn, bone).
Stainless steel blades are rust-free and easy to maintain – ideal for regular use at markets and in military camps. Carbon steel is historically more authentic, can be sharpened to a finer edge and develops a natural patina over time, but requires more care: dry after use and lightly oil to prevent rust. For most re-enactment performances, stainless steel is a practical and acceptable choice.
The Hauswehr is a civilian side knife with a wider blade that became established in Central Europe from the 14th century onwards. It was worn on the belt and served as both a table knife and a working knife. For re-enactments of the 14th to 16th centuries – for example, as a craftsman, merchant or town citizen – the Hauswehr is an authentic and well-documented detail.
A leather sheath is included with most knives in this category. This is historically accurate, as knives in the Middle Ages were always carried in a sheath on the belt. You will find the exact details in the product description for each individual item.
All three materials – wood, horn and bone – are attested for the Late Middle Ages through archaeological finds and medieval pictorial sources. Wooden handles were the most widespread and are found on simple everyday knives used by all social classes. Horn and bone handles were considered somewhat more upmarket and are frequently attested among townspeople, merchants and craftsmen. The choice ultimately depends on the specific design.