Daggers, bollock daggers, roundels

The bollock dagger or kidney dagger

The bollock dagger, also known as the bollock dagger, is one of the most recognizable medieval dagger types. The characteristic grip with two rounded lobes made this weapon popular throughout Europe for centuries. From knights in the 14th century to Scottish warriors in the 17th century: the bollock dagger was used as a practical daily knife and as an effective self-defense weapon. Due to the long period of use, there are various variants, from simple wooden grips to richly decorated daggers with metal rings, etched blades, and luxurious materials. The dagger was versatile, reliable, and quick to draw, which made it favored among soldiers, civilians, and craftsmen. In Scotland, the bollock dagger eventually developed into the iconic Scottish dirk.

Scottish dirk

The Scottish dirk is an iconic weapon from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, closely associated with the warrior culture of the Highlanders. In a time when clan conflicts and wars with England were common, many Scots carried their dirk with them at all times. The dirk originated from the medieval ballock dagger and developed into a longer, elegant thrusting weapon with distinctive metal finishes and a flat pommel. Besides its role in battle, the dirk was used as a daily knife and as a symbol of honor: oaths were sworn on the “holy iron”. Even after the Disarming Acts, the dirk remained an important cultural weapon. Today, the dirk is beloved by reenactors, collectors, and enthusiasts of Scottish history.

Roundels, roundel dagger daggers

The rondel dagger was used from the beginning of the 14^th century. The dagger became popular because it had two guard plates. This protected the hand and allowed it to be quickly drawn, even if you had struck at the last minute. Later, when plate armor developed, the rondel dagger was an ideal weapon for thrusting between the gaps of armor components. In Italy, these daggers developed further. They became narrower and evolved into the stiletto. Which actually means penknife, referring to the pen-like point that the roundel dagger possessed.