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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Ancient Daggers





Ancient Daggers
A dagger is essentially a special form of knife, where the tang is placed along the center line of the blade. Since ancient times, daggers have been used as not only as tools for the battlefield but to show the status of the warrior. Ancient daggers are perfect as a home decoration and conversation pieces, as well as for the collector or as stage props. The skills and abilities of the ancient metallurgist and craftsman used in manufacture of ancient daggers speaks volumes about the level of trade in metals and the metallurgical abilities. Ancient daggers can be double edged, although there are exceptions. The ancient dagger owned by Hindus were chiseled with the figures of God & Goddesses and holy verses, while on weapons owned by Muslims quotations from Koran and talismanic signs are frequent.


Medieval Daggers
The medieval daggers stand testimony to the Middle Ages when encounters with any stranger often led to bloodshed. The robust medieval daggers often have a wide blade to take a proper edge for general cutting as well as retaining the true dagger form. The clean and simple lines of the ornate daggers emphasize its strength and efficiency. The crafted designs of the dagger speak of the elegant styles involved to create classic lines in the blade forged to a sword point. The blade can be single or double edged with striking imprinted artwork. Providing sure fighting grip, the daggers may have various finishes of antique brass, stainless steel, pewter or nickel to offer the rustic look. Capturing danger and excitement, the dagger is generally used to fend off blows in close combat situations. The usage can also be for both for self-defense and for utilitarian purposes, both civil and military.



Egyptian Daggers
The unusual and beautiful Egyptian daggers are influenced by Egyptian designs and decoration. They are usually built with an awesome cast metal handle that features a highly detailed Egyptian king and lion's head. Smothered in hieroglyphics, the Egyptian dagger have a short classic cut blades for short distance combat. Available in various metal finishes of antique silver, copper, bronze, nickel or stainless steel, the daggers have a cast metal handle and scabbard that are engraved to perfection featuring highly detailed Egyptian hieroglyphics. The ceremonial style daggers have shining blades attached to metal handle that is intricately decorated with mummy-style pharaoh like figurines, with outstretched wings. Ancient Egyptian daggers usually bear intricately designed crosspiece and pommel. The distinct daggers also make a great addition to collectors collections of collectable daggers or can be given as a special occassion gifts.



Japanese Daggers
The Japanese daggers or tanto, completely revive the Japanese era. Combining traditional patterns and constructed with modern material, the Japanese daggers have blades with a traditional tang. The Japanese daggers are highly detailed with engravings covering the handle down to the scabbard. The saya (scabbards) are generally deep gloss lacquer or crackle finished in attractive color combinations. The saya is available with a black ring-carved section at the Saya Ito (scabbard wrapping). The Tsuka (handle) and the Tsuka Ito (handle wrapping) are all available in varying degrees of decoration and engravings. The daggers thus, are good for both the martial artist and the collector. The daggers usually have extremely sharp single or double edged, decorated blade made of different metals. In the traditional Japanese society, presenting gifts was an integral part of proper etiquette and rewards for service were usually bladed weapons. Used for close range skirmishes, the Japanese daggers serve as impressive decorative items, collectibles, props or out-of-the-ordinary gifts.



Chinese Daggers
Chinese daggers represent some of the most skillfully crafted weapons. The daggers were apparently used as ritual objects in addition to their use as weapons. Chinese daggers are distinctive pieces of ancient weaponry found over most of the Chinese peninsula. The blade edges of the daggers are usually sharp and the carving on the handle and blade are done well. Some daggers are very elaborate and unwieldy and could serve only ritual purposes. The Chinese daggers are seen as indespensible part of the basic paraphernalia of a Chinese. Ingeniously handcrafted, they are the famous traditional handcrafts of the Chinese. The daggers are of unique designs and exquisite workmanship serving not only as weapons, but also as ornaments. Based on the materials used and the level of craftsmanship in the making of the dagger, the prices of daggers can range heavily. Most Chinese daggers have curved blades, and hilts made of either wood, horn, copper, and inlaid with fine designs and patterns of bright colors. The handles and blades are designed specifically for the kind of use they will get.



Samurai Daggers
Samurai daggers are a very convenient tool and a weapon for Japanese. It looks like a spearhead with a short grip and serves as a knife, a gimlet, a shovel, a small hammer, and a throwing cutter. It can be compared to an army knife today. A wide range is available, in varying degrees of decoration, to satisfy the needs of both the martial artist and the collector. An object of great beauty, Samurai dagger's finely polished surface has an intrinsic elegance, which is unique. Superior craftsmanship in the making of these beautiful daggers, makes them highly collectible and a superb display for the den or office. Various designs are based on existing pieces in museums or private collections. These are constructed out of high-grade casting alloy metal. These daggers are intended for collection, display, costuming, and decoration.

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