*Single Piece*

SKU: _trident_dagguer

EXPANDING LEFT-HAND DAGGER - Parrying Dagger

**unavailable**

This project is a recreation of an EXPANDING LEFT-HAND DAGGER, also known as a trident dagger or parrying dagger, inspired by a German example from the early 17th century, which is part of the collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This work is not intended to be an exact replica of the original piece. Instead, my focus was to explore the construction methods, the technical challenges faced by the craftsmen of that era, and the skills required to create such a work.
Although the aesthetics and functionality of the original piece were a source of inspiration, my recreation does not strictly adhere to the dimensions, materials, or historical methods. My purpose was to interpret these aspects in a modern way while preserving the essence and functionality of the dagger.

Final Result
The final result is a functional trident dagger that respects the spirit of the original piece while exploring my personal interpretation. From material selection to the final adjustments, the entire process was a profound learning experience about the complexity and beauty of historical weapons.

Check out the full video on YouTube: Video>>>

Creation Process
The blade of this dagger was forged from 1070 steel, while the internal spring and locking mechanism were made from 5160 steel, selected after extensive testing to ensure durability and functionality. The construction process was a challenge from start to finish. Each step, from forging the pieces to achieving precise adjustments, demanded patience and dedication.
The components remained in my workshop for a long time while I experimented with ways to fit them correctly. After achieving a functional fit, I spent nearly a year refining the spring and locking mechanism, going through numerous trials and errors until I found a practical and replicable solution.

Historical Details
The original example that inspired me is a rare model of a dagger used both as a weapon and as a demonstration of technical and artistic skill. Expanding daggers were known for their sophisticated engineering and were often associated with collectors or nobility of the time.
The original piece features side blades that open when an internal mechanism is pressed, designed to intimidate or harm in close combat. This unique design reflects the ingenuity and technical mastery of Renaissance-era craftsmen.

Acknowledgments
This project would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of several individuals:
Jeffrey Werner – For providing bibliographic references and high-resolution images from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Nikolaus Gerhart – For essential technical suggestions to solve specific issues related to the locking and spring mechanism.
J. G. Elmslie (Reddit) – For assisting in accessing one of the key bibliographic references on the piece.

Historical References
Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, The Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Collection of Armor and Arms, Princeton University Press, 1963.
Michael D. Coe et al., Swords and Hilt Weapons, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1989.
Philadelphia Museum of Art, "Parrying Dagger, c. 1600."

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