Scottish Dirk - Windlass Steelcrafts

Purchased a primitive Scottish dirk to compliment my basket hilt broadsword. Forged by Windlass Steelcrafts of India this blade is far from primitive considering the fit and finish of the dagger. Initial impressions suggest a very stout and functional blade and only primitive in the sense it predates the more ornate dirks of the 19th century.

The Scottish dirk evolved from the medieval rondell and bollocks daggers of the 14th and 15th century and became the favored sidearm and utility knife of the Scottish highlander.By the 17th century the dagger had became a cultural symbol of the Highlands and personal oaths were often made upon the steel of the blade.

"The dirk occupies an unique niche in Highland culture and history....virtually every Male carried a dirk everywhere. If in Japan the katana was the soul of the Samurai, in Scotland the dirk was the heart of the Highlander".

This particular style of dirk with simplistic design of blade, handle and sheath was popular throughout the early Modern era into the 18th century as a working class and military blade. By the 1800`s more detailed hilt and etched blade designs were available for those of wealthier means.

This replica has a blade made from high carbon steel with two straight fullers. The handle is well designed and made out of rosewood with a comfortable hand feel. Pommel is simple with a star flower design on what appears to be nut construction or an unfamiliar type of peened tang? The sheath is leather without a wood core with nice stitching, integral belt loop and complete with a metal chape and throat. The sheath has a nice draw and the mouth retains the blade confidently without any movement even while held upside down. If I have one complaint it is the leather belt loop is on the thin side that may be suspect over time and usage despite being well secured by two rivets to the sheath.

Very nice blade and a nice addition to the armory.

Sidebar - latest historical kit is in the works and being assembled representing an 18th century soldier of the 42nd Regiment of Foot, the predecessor of the Black Watch serving in North America during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.