- Model: BASELARD DAGGER
- Product Code: BASELARD
- Location: Kathmandu,Nepal
Available Options
Baselard Dagger — A Hand-Forged Compact Medieval Blade
This Baselard Dagger from Everest Forge is the compact, carry-size member of our Baselard family — the most dagger-like of the three, carrying the distinctive H-shaped hilt of the medieval Schwiizerdolch. The Baselard was a sidearm and a symbol of status across 14th and 15th century Europe, and this compact version keeps that character in a hand-friendly size.
Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a full tang. It is fitted with a rosewood grip and comes with a leather sheath. This is a piece for medieval arms collection, living-history reenactment, and historical fencing practice. The standard blade is 14 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.
The Baselard Dagger — A Brief History
The Baselard takes its name from the Swiss city of Basel, and from the 14th to the 15th centuries its H or I-shaped hilt made it one of the most recognisable sidearms in Europe. Carried by townsmen, soldiers, and gentry as much for status as for use, it sat between dagger and sword across Switzerland, Germany, France, and England.
This compact dagger is the smallest of the Everest Forge Baselards. For the full history of the form — its etymology, its place in medieval literature, and how it evolved into the Swiss dagger and Swiss short sword — see the 17-inch Baselard. This piece distils that lineage into a carry-size blade.
Why This Baselard Dagger Stands Apart
True Baselard H-hilt
The characteristic H or I-shaped hilt of the medieval Schwiizerdolch, the detail that makes a Baselard instantly recognisable.
Compact carry size
At 14 inches in the blade, this is the smallest of the three Everest Forge Baselards — the most dagger-like, easy to display and to handle.
5160 spring steel, oil-tempered
The same high carbon spring steel used in vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and resilience. Oil-tempered to a working hardness — not a stainless display blade.
Full-tang construction
The tang runs the length of the grip for strength and reliability — a dagger built to be handled, not just displayed.
Rosewood grip and leather sheath
A shaped rosewood handle paired with a handmade leather sheath, included for safe carry and storage.
Hand-forged in Nepal
Forged on hammer and anvil by our blacksmiths in Kathmandu. See the process on The Making and meet the team on Meet the Maker.
Specifications
Customise Your Baselard Dagger
Most details on this dagger can be specified to your preference before forging begins. Use the options on this page to build your blade, or contact us for anything outside the standard list.
Blade Length
Standard 14-inch blade, or choose 10, 12, 16, or 18 inches — forged to your dimension before the blade is made.
Blade Finishing
Satin as standard, or choose a Polished / Mirror finish, a Raw / Forge finish, or a Blacked / Coated blade to suit display or handling.
Handle Material
Rosewood as standard. White-wood (Sadhan), buffalo horn, and bone are available for a different look and feel.
Sheath Colour
The leather sheath comes in black, brown, yellow, red, green, or blue leather.
Personalisation
Add a name, initials, or a short message engraved on the blade or handle — included with your order.
Custom Logo & Photo Engraving
Upload your own logo, crest, or photo to have it engraved on the blade for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger
An Everest Forge Baselard Dagger
- 5160 high carbon spring steel
- Oil-tempered to working hardness
- Full-tang construction
- Forged and shaped by hand
- A true H-hilted Baselard with a fitted leather sheath
A typical decorative wall-hanger
- Stainless or unknown steel
- Little or no heat treatment
- Rat-tail or partial tang
- Cast or stock-removed in a factory
- Built for display only — not for handling
The Complete Degen & Baselard Collection
Baselard Dagger (17")
The broad 17-inch Baselard sword-dagger.
Baselard Short Sword
The full 20.5-inch Baselard short sword.
Swiss Baselard Dagger
The Swiss-pattern Baselard in dagger form.
Swiss/German Degen Sword
The slender Degen sword from the same Central European tradition.
All Degen Medieval Swords
Browse the full Degen and Baselard range by length and pattern.
Who This Baselard Dagger Is For
- European arms collectors — buyers who want a compact, H-hilted Baselard to round out a medieval collection or as an affordable entry into the Baselard family.
- Reenactors and living history — 14th-to-15th-century European portrayals that need a period-correct belt dagger in real, hand-forged steel.
- HEMA and historical fencing students — those studying dagger work with a real-weight piece. A blunt training version is available on request.
- Cutting-practice users — buyers who want a compact, fast blade for controlled practice.
- Gift buyers — a striking, lasting gift for a history enthusiast, with optional engraving for names, dates, or a crest.
- Film, theatre, and production — full-weight authentic steel for historical productions, with blunt versions for choreography.
How It Is Made
Steel selection
We start with 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and shock resistance.
Forging and shaping
The bar is heated and hammered by hand into the compact, tapered Baselard blade, and the H-style hilt is fitted.
Heat treatment
The blade is hardened and oil-tempered to a working hardness, balancing a durable edge against a resilient spine.
Finishing and fitting
The rosewood grip is shaped and fitted, both edges are brought up, and the leather sheath is finished to match.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged Baselard dagger in 5160 spring steel
- Leather sheath in your chosen colour
- Personalised engraving where requested
- Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather
Shipping, Returns, and Warranty
Every dagger ships from Kathmandu, Nepal via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis — duties and taxes are handled so there is nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing time. Some countries restrict the import of blades; it is the buyer's responsibility to check local law before ordering.
Standard daggers carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised pieces are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Shipping and Returns and Warranty and Returns Policy pages.
Caring for Your Baselard Dagger
Wipe the blade clean after handling and apply a light film of mineral or blade oil to protect the high carbon steel from moisture. Store the dagger out of the sheath in dry conditions for long-term keeping, since trapped humidity can mark a carbon blade. Treat the leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the rosewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Baselard dagger?
The Baselard, known in Swiss-German as the Schwiizerdolch, is a medieval blade with a distinctive H-shaped or I-shaped hilt, named for the Swiss city of Basel. It was carried across Europe from the 14th to the 15th centuries as both a sidearm and a status symbol. This is the compact, dagger-size version of that historical form.
How is this 14-inch Baselard different from the others?
It is the most compact of the three Everest Forge Baselards. This one has a 14-inch blade; the 17-inch Baselard is the broader sword-dagger, and the Baselard Short Sword runs to 20.5 inches. Same family and H-hilt, three different sizes.
What are the dimensions of this dagger?
The standard piece measures 21 inches overall, with a 14-inch blade and a 7-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 600 g. The length is a choice — you can specify 10, 12, 16, or 18 inches before forging.
What steel is the blade made from?
The blade is forged from 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, valued for toughness, shock resistance, and edge retention. It is oil-tempered to a working hardness.
Is the blade sharp, or can I get it blunt?
The standard edge is a sharpened, double-edged working blade. A blunt training edge is available on request for HEMA sparring, stage rehearsal, or where a blunt blade is preferred — just note it in your order before forging.
Can I choose a different length or handle material?
Yes. The standard 14-inch blade can be made at 10, 12, 16, or 18 inches. Rosewood is the standard handle; white-wood (Sadhan), buffalo horn, and bone are available. Choose your options on this page when ordering.
Can I personalise or engrave the dagger?
Yes. Add a name, initials, or a short message, or upload your own logo, crest, or photo for custom engraving on the blade. Personalised engraving is included with your order. See our Personalized Blades page.
Does it come with a sheath, and what colours are available?
Yes. Every Baselard dagger includes a leather sheath for safe carry and storage. You can choose black, brown, yellow, red, green, or blue leather.
What is this Baselard dagger good for?
It is a collector's and reenactor's piece — a compact, H-hilted European dagger that gives authentic late-medieval presence in a hand-friendly size. For historical fencing and cutting practice it is fast and easy to handle, and a blunt training version is available for sparring.
How is it shipped, and how long does delivery take?
We ship from Kathmandu via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid basis, so duties and taxes are handled with nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing. Custom and personalised orders may take longer.
What is your return and warranty policy?
Standard daggers carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised daggers are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Warranty and Returns Policy page.
Can I order a custom or fully bespoke Baselard dagger?
Yes. Specify your blade length, finish, handle, and sheath colour with the options on this page, or commission a fully bespoke Baselard dagger from your own reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.
| Specification | |
| Blade: | 14 inches Long Blade made from 5160 leaf spring of Tuck |
| Total Length: | 21 inches long in Total |
| Handle: | 7 inches long Full tang Handle made from Rosewood |
| Weight: | 750 Grams |
| Note: | Every Baselard Dagger is individually hand-forged, resulting in slight variations that enhance its character and authenticity. Custom handle materials or personalized engraving options are available upon request. |
