Windlass Fighting Dirk

Well, I haven't purchased a new sword in awhile, for several reasons. First, my NSF fellowship is not taxed throughout the year, so my tax bill for 2006 is going to be about two grand...ouch. Also, I'm supposed to graduate within the year, and I can't be stocking up on stuff I'll have to transport once I move outta here. Finally, my tastes have changed a lot in the last couple years. Not too long ago I was all about the custom designed fantasy leafblade, spikey guard, scentstopper pommel, etc. Nowadays I find the simple elegance of historically accurate swords much more thrilling, simply because they're the real deal, they're what the fighters a thousand years ago really carried. So swords like the Crecy and Squire, which I already own, really represent the pinnacle of what I want to get my hands on.

Anyway, following that line of logic, I decided to get this dagger, the Windlass "Fighting Dirk." It was on sale from Kult of Athena, and in stock. Once again, I heartily recommend this site. Very professional, fast shipping. It arrived well packaged in good condition. As usual it had that nasty Windlass lacquer and ink stamp which came off with some oil and a little elbow grease. I was surprised at how much effort it took to sharpen- file and stone for sustained periods. Maybe it's just cause I'm a wimp 8-) But it should sustain the edge for awhile. I have to say, I like this vicious little knife. It seems equally suited to the feasting table as well as slipping under a gorget to slay an enemy (hopefully between cleanings!).

It's very light, and balances just past the base of the blade. The fittings are simple but tasteful, with a dark hardwood grip shaped to fit the hand. The roughness of the tip of the pommel leads me to believe the tang is peened. The fuller is very thin and purely cosmetic, but adds some texture to the look of the blade. I was also surprised to discover that it actually exhibits a slight but linear distal taper! The black leather sheath is the typical Windlass travesty, thick and clunky, and didn't hold the dagger in when I first got it. Fortunately the throat was soft steel, so I used vise grips to tighten it and now holds the knife just fine when held upside down. Still don't like the shiny black color though.

Overall, this dirk just screams 'middle class' (if only there had been a medieval middle class)- simple but attractive, good for general use in various periods throughout history.

Here are a few quick pics, but they really don't show any more detail than is on the KoA website.

















Mmm, medieval limes...




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