15th century dagger handle wood

[Nate Webb]

Hey all, here's an interesting (to me at least) puzzle. I'm starting a new historical blade project, recreating a bollock dagger from The Met. I've got a good handle (no pun intended, honest) on the rest of the build, but I'm curious what people think the original handle material may have been. It looks like some kind of burl or root, but does anyone have any more specific idea of what it might have been? The dagger is from 15-16th century central Europe.

Looking forward to hearing peoples' thoughts.

 

[TheEdge01]

Well, that thing sure has a rather interesting shape to say the least. I guess folks from 15th-16th century Europe had a warped sense of humor too.

 

[Nate Webb]

Well, that thing sure has a rather interesting shape to say the least. I guess folks from 15th-16th century Europe had a warped sense of humor too.

It was called the bollock dagger for a reason

 

[TheEdge01]

It was called the bollock dagger for a reason

Indeed it is!

 

[oldmanwilly]

No clue about the wood, but you may find this helpful:

Tod makes reproduction medieval weapons and has an extensive list of relevant YouTube videos.

Good luck on your project!

 

[Pinoy Knife]

looks like anything was used (after my Google Fu)
Walrus/Elephant ivory/horn wood (many types) just don't ever use "Oosik" for one.. (he he)

 

[Hengelo_77]

Walnut?
They were also called kindey daggers by people who didn't want to day the B-word

 

[A.McPherson]

Boxwood was commonly used...
No idea what it looks like when it's a couple hundred years old though...

 

[fitzo]

Reminiscent of the appearance of old briar root in old smoking pipes.

 

[Nate Webb]

Boxwood was commonly used...
No idea what it looks like when it's a couple hundred years old though...

Box is among my favorite woods for period handles. It's pretty, easy to work with, and polishes up almost like aged ivory. But it's known for its regular grain, and the stuff used on that dagger has some wild grain going on with it.

Reminiscent of the appearance of old briar root in old smoking pipes.

That was my first thought as well, and might end up being the correct answer, unless it's a burl from some random European tree, in which case it could be just about anything

 

[Whitewood]

Maple burl is a possibility. It was used for bowls and other wooden ware, and would have been readily available.
Rick W

 

[Nate Webb]

Yeah, after some research I did decide to go with maple burl. I've got a couple good pieces coming. It's going to be an interesting project.

 

[aareeyesee]

It's definitely made by a bellend. As far as composition the people above are def smarter than me. I'm on par with the designer of that shiv.