Rondel dagger
A rondel dagger or roundel dagger is a type of stiff-bladed dagger used in Europe in the late Middle Ages (from the 14th century onwards), used by a variety of people from merchants to knights. It was worn at the waist and could be used as a utility tool, or worn into battle or in a jousting tournament as a side arm. Design and construction The blade is made of steel, and is typically long and slim with a tapering needle point, measuring 12 inches (30 cm) or more; the whole dagger can be as long as 20 inches (50 cm). Rondel means 'round' or 'circular'; the dagger gets its name from its round (or similarly shaped, e.g. octagonal) hand guard and round or spherical pommel (knob on the end of the grip). The blade's tang extends through the handle, which is cylindrical, normally carved from wood or bone. In cross section, the blade is usually diamond-shaped, lenticular, or triangular. These blades have a sharpened point, and either one or both edges are also sharpened. They were principally designed for use with a stabbing action, either underarm, or over arm with a reverse grip (reminiscent of an ice pick). The