From my reading (and I am no expert) the dirk has been a standard sidearm from the days of antiquity. I have seen several examples of dirks through time. Many that have seen battle have the “Battle Honors” etched into the main blade. The small fork and knife were as you expect are used for eating when one is at war it’s a handy thing to have and it sure beats having to eat with your fingers. Being a rather short sword the one my father has passed on to me is 16 ˝ inches from tip to the end of the grip makes it a very up close and personal blade. I would think it to be a “last resort” piece in my humble opinion.