Interesting Dirk

**Woodsheal** · 24th February 08, 05:58 PM

Actually, more like a ballock dagger (the "ancestor" of the Scottish dirk):

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(v1m...artNum=AAE-700

**MacWage** · 24th February 08, 07:17 PM

So, how is that for accuracy and period?

(I like it.)

**BoldHighlander** · 25th February 08, 02:30 AM

That is one wicked looking blade!
Thanks for posting Brian

**Howard Clark** · 25th February 08, 05:33 AM

Well, they (those who came before us) have done nearly everything/anything. The hilt is more or less accurate for period when ballock daggers were common, but that design varies tremendously. I have never seen a blade with that profile anywhere else though. It certainly would be effective, and "could have been" used in period.

I don't care for the blade shape, but that is an issue of taste, and everyone's taste is different, thank God.

**Woodsheal** · 25th February 08, 06:29 AM

Yeah, I look at it as more of an exotic or "fantasy" piece, as no historic dirk or ballock knife ever had a blade shaped like that! But, for the modern blade collector or someone looking for a functional, non-dressy, dirk to wear it's a very cool item...!

**sharpdressedscot** · 25th February 08, 08:00 AM

That looks real cool, kinda looks like it just came out of some ritual....

**Thomas** · 25th February 08, 09:07 AM

Well- I like it.
As Howard said: Although the blade looks uncommon, I think, at those times there was the maxim: form follows function.
And this one looks like a mean stabber, indeed.
You made a nice find, especially for that price.

Cheers
Thomas

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 25th February 08, 02:01 PM

I've got something sitting in my collection which looks more like a ballock dagger which I am not sure if it is a dirk or a ballock dagger. It's dirk in look, but the handle is brown wood. I think it's an early dirk (c. 17th Century).

Wearing a dirk in public in some locales can get you into legal trouble. So, I would suggest refraining wearing it publicly unless you (1) comply with local laws or (2) are reenacting.

British law is getting such that an actual sgean dubh can get you arrested! Not sure if the Kircaldyshire constabulary would look the other way, but those below the highlands might cause trouble. So, the replica or safety sgean dubh are becoming de rigueur.

**puffer** · 26th February 08, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Howard Clark

Well, they (those who came before us) have done nearly everything/anything. The hilt is more or less accurate for period when ballock daggers were common, but that design varies tremendously. I have never seen a blade with that profile anywhere else though. It certainly would be effective, and "could have been" used in period.

I don't care for the blade shape, but that is an issue of taste, and everyone's taste is different, thank God.

The hilt is a "dodgeon style" or "bullock" http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_spot_dirks.html

Here is a pic of a couple of "museum" daggers ( european/english & modern reproductions

As to the blade ?? but I like it

BTW the hilt looks a little "rough. but TOW is VERY GOOD @ letting you return items if you are unsatisfied.

Puffer