14th Century Rondel Dagger
A rondel dagger is characterized by its disc-shaped guard pommel, which made it a favoured weapon in Europe during the late Middle Ages. The term "rondel" is from the circular design of these features.
Rondel daggers featured long thick-spined blades, typically measuring between 12 to 16 inches.
These blades were sharp and engineered for piercing through heavy clothing, chain mail, and plate armour.
Both the guard and pommel were disc-shaped, with the guard serving to protect the hand.
​
The grip was commonly crafted from wood or bone and often showcased decorative carvings or engravings. The dagger was typically worn on a belt and included a scabbard.
Rondel-daggers are those where the pommel and guard are both disc-shaped, with the grip between them. The grip was usually made from wood or another organic material so frequently rotted away leaving the tang exposed. Almost everyone carried a dagger in the medieval and Tudor periods.
​
Rondel daggers had long, thick-spined blades that were often 12–16 inches long. The blades were sharp and designed to penetrate thick clothing, chain mail, and plate armour.
The guard and pommel were both disc-shaped. The guard protected the hand. The grip was usually made of wood or bone and could be decorated with carving or engraving.
The dagger was usually worn on a belt and came with a scabbard.
Rondel daggers were used for self defence when a sword was too cumbersome, they were carried into battle as a side-arm for knights and also used in jousting tournaments.
Rondel daggers were also used as utility tools, they were popular with the gentry, aristocracy, merchants, and craftsmen and were a status symbol, often decorated with engraving and gilding.