The dirk was an essential sidearm of Scottish Highlander and Lowlander alike.  In fact, the dirk was considered so necessary that even after the failure of the last Jacobite rebellion, when the government passed a disarming act, persons deemed in need of something for personal protection - drovers, merchants and the like - were permitted to carry dirks. The dirk is a direct descendant of the knives carried by medieval armored knights which they used to dispatch wounded foes, or as a weapon of last resort. In later medieval times the dudgeon dagger and ballock knives. The dirk as it is most familiar developed about the mid-17th century at the same time becoming the most common weapon in Scotland. Stylistically it went through many changes but a few characteristics are most common.  The blades were long in proportion to the grips, some times as long as 18 inches and were single-edged usually with one or more fullers, or lightening grooves (not blood grooves as they are commonly called). Many dirk blades came from cut down or broken swords. The handles were made of wood, bone, brass, pewter and some times antler. The wooden handles tended to be profusely carved with interlaced designs referred to as knot work. Dirks were carried in leather sheaths, usually suspended from the front of the waist belt next to the sporran. This was so they could be easily reached with the non-sword hand in combat. From early times many dirks were equipped with small knives stored out the outside of the sheaths. There were even some dirks with knives, forks or spoons in the sheath. After the Jacobite era, especially into the Victoria era, dirks became more of an ornament than a weapon and many officers and bandsmen of the Highland Regiments wore them. As an ornament the dirk became more gaudy and less practical although many Victorian era dirks are quite attractive and extremely well made. An example of a 19th c. dirk is shown below. It is not for sale.

THE COLD STEEL DIRK

If you want a fighting dirk with the classic style of the 18th c. and made with the technology of the 21st, then this is your dirk. A 13 inch 1050 carbon steel blade with fuller and wedge shaped cross section is what tips it off immediately. The decorated rosewood handle, carved and fitted with studs, is topped by a blued steel pommel cap and joined to the blade by a classic blued steel guard. The sheath is equipped with a blued steel throat and tip and an integral carry strap. Each dirk, like our Cold Steel Broad Sword, comes with a certificate showing it has passed the British blade proof test.

A grand dirk for only $150 plus $8 post and packing.

THE CULLODEN DIRK

For a long time the Culloden Dirk (below left) has been one of our most popular blades. The design is typical of the early 1700s and many of Prince Charlie’s Highlanders carried dirks similar to this one at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The single-edge blade is wedge-shaped in cross section and tapers to a wicked point. The hilts is made of streaked mahogany and topped with a brass pommel cap. The sheath is made from thick, hardened, hand-sewn buffalo hide. This leather may show some imperfections because it is made from all natural material. The overall length is 20 inches and the blade in 13.5 inches.

This great dirk is yours for just $99 plus $8 packing and post. Three on hand only

THE BONNY DIRK

The Bonny Dirk is a 19th c. regimental style dirk. This very nice dirk has a black wood handle with carved basket weave and nickel silver studs placed at intersections of the lines. Note the “thistle shape” of the grip, which is also found on the Dirk for Dress or Daywear. The blade is 11.75 inches long and etched with the thistle and foliate designs frequently found on 19th c. regimental dirks. The blades has a five inch false edge and jimped back. The nickel silver pommel cap is undecorated but could be engraved should you decide to personalize it. The sheath is wood, covered with leather and highlighted with a nickel silver throat and tip and an integral carry strap.

This attractive dirk can be yours for $110 plus $8 packing and post.

BOLD BLADES SHOP MADE DIRKS

Occasionally, as materials are available and time permits. We assemble some dirks in our workshop. We usually make two styles, the Basic Dirk and the Stag Hilted dirk. The Basic Dirk has a wooden handle with a Celtic knot pommel decoration. We use factory made blades to which we fit handles. We also supply a basic leather sheath. Recently we have found a source of Sambar stag. Sambar stag is an Indian deer whose antlers have small cores and a very nice consistency. These antlers can be worked well and fit the blades we use nicely (style of blade may vary).  Unfortunately it has been generally unavailable for ten years as the Indian government placed an embargo on export, probably to combat poaching. We have located a small supply of this material in, of all places, Scotland. We will let you know as we have these dirks available. The price of the Basic Dirk is $55 plus $7 packing and post.  The Sambar dirks will be POR as the cost of the antler fluctuates.

OTHER DAGGERS

 THE KNIGHT’S DAGGER

In medieval times, all knights carried a dagger, usually attached to their belt, in front, where it could be easily reached. This dagger was sharp and pointed and was used to stab an opponent through the chinks in his armor or his ring mail. Our very popular Knight’s Dagger, which closely resembles those of old is made of stainless steel and decorated with swirling designs. Overall length is 16 3/8 inches with a 10 1/2 inch blade. It come with a leather strap to tie it to your belt. This beautiful dagger is only...

$55 plus $10 packing and post

THE DAMSEL’S DAGGER

Some times a lady needs some protection too. For that we have The Damsel’s Dagger. Similar in size and shape to the Knight’s Dagger, this little knife will fill the bill nicely. Yours for $25 plus $10 packing and post.

THE RONDEL DAGGER

The Rondel Dagger, shown above and with detail of the engraving on the blade, was very popular throughout Europe in medieval times and the Renaissance. The term comes from the round handle - in our case a spiral version, similar to the grip on the Twisted Hilt Claymore - and the round or octagonal - in our case - pommel. The overall length is 16 3/4 inches with an 11 3/4 inch blade. Comes with a leather sheath. Only $42 plus $8 packing and post