Custom Dagger: Double-Edged Gems That Get To The Point

These classic custom daggers dare the steal the show.

The custom dagger is enjoying a renaissance, in no small part because it is a style that takes so much talent to do properly. Double grinds, fluted handles and a high level of fit and finish are just three of the things a maker likely will have to do well at one time or another in making a dagger. And if he or she nails the dagger build, it’s a crucial step on the way to the next level.

Camille Sennegon: Wenge Wood Handle

A masterfully sculpted wenge wood handle and a 9-inch blade of 1095 carbon steel sandwich the stainless steel crossguard of a custom dagger by ABS journeyman smith Camille Sennegon. Overall length: 15 inches. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

James Bishop: Death Watch Dagger

A dramatically upswept guard and 11.5-inch blade, both of twist damascus, and a handle of “damascus pattern” G-10 carry the load for the Death Watch Dagger by James Bishop of Sausage Man Forge. Grind: Flat double edge. Overall length: 19.2 inches. (Rod Hoare image)

Mike Tyre: Quillon Dagger

ABS journeyman smith Mike Tyre’s quillon dagger boasts a 10.5-inch blade of double-flat-ground damascus in O1 and L6 tool steels, and a fluted musk ox handle with 12k-gold wire inlays. The knife features takedown construction and a guard of gun-blued mild steel. Overall length: 15.5 inches. Mike’s price for a similar knife: $4,800. (SharpByCoop image)

Andrea Lisch: Blackwood Handle

A 7.5-inch blade of 5160 carbon steel, a blackwood handle with stippled stainless steel spacers, and an O1 tool steel guard complete a dagger by Andrea Lisch. It is one of five test knives that earned her the rank of ABS journeyman smith during BLADE Show 2023. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Roger Green: Will & Finck-Style Push Dagger

Based on a 19th-century Will & Finck-style push dagger, Roger Green’s repro has a 6.75-inch blade of hollow-ground 440C stainless steel and an ivorite handle. The sheath (not shown) is nickel silver with a Will & Finck 1872 patented belt clasp. Roger’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $3,500. (SharpByCoop image)

John Horrigan: Art Dagger

A 10-inch blade in hollow-ground quilt-pattern damascus, a 416 stainless steel handle with petersite inlay, and a guard of hot-blued 1045 carbon steel top off ABS master smith John Horrigan’s art dagger. Overall length: 14.5 inches. John’s price for a similar knife: $10,200. (SharpByCoop image)

Tony Docherty: Skeleton-Style Dagger

Tony Docherty’s skeleton-style custom dagger sports a 9.25-inch damascus blade, a damascus handle and a brass guard and pommel. Blade grind: Double bevel. Overall length: 14.7 inches. (Rod Hoare image)

Check Out More Cool Custom Knives:

• Jim Poor’s Slip Joint
• Andrew Meers’ Pizza Cutter
• Kurt Swearingen’s Buffalo Hunter Set
• Isaiah Schroeder’s Gyuto