- Model: Degen Dagger
- Product Code: DEGENDAG0017
- Location: Kathmandu,Nepal
Available Options
Degen Short Sword-Dagger — A Hand-Forged Medieval Crossover Blade
The Degen Short Sword-Dagger from Everest Forge is the crossover blade of our Degen range — a broad, double-edged blade that sits right between dagger and sword. The word Degen is German for "sword," and this is its in-between form: longer and more commanding than a dagger, shorter and quicker than a full sword.
Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a full tang. It carries a broad, diamond-section blade set into a rosewood grip with a curved guard and capped pommel, and comes with a leather-covered wooden scabbard. The standard blade is 17 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.
The Degen Short Sword-Dagger — A Brief History
The word Degen is German for "sword," and across Renaissance and early-modern Europe the Degen was the slender side-blade of officers, nobles, and gentlemen — prized for balance and speed. Between the short Degen dagger and the full Degen sword sat blades like this one: long enough to carry real authority, short enough to stay quick and wearable.
This 17-inch piece is the sword-dagger crossover in the Everest Forge Degen range. It bridges the 15-inch Degen dagger and the full 24-inch Degen sword — the same lineage at an in-between length.
Why This Degen Stands Apart
True sword-dagger crossover
A broad, double-edged Degen blade at 17 inches — the in-between length that bridges the Degen dagger and the Degen sword.
Broad, diamond-section blade
Wide through the body with two true edges and a reinforced point — built for balance and reach in the hand.
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 blade built to be handled, not just displayed.
Rosewood grip and leather scabbard
A shaped rosewood handle with a curved guard and capped pommel, paired with a leather-covered wooden scabbard.
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 Degen
Most details on this blade can be specified to your preference before forging begins. Use the options on this page to build your Degen, or contact us for anything outside the standard list.
Blade Length
Standard 17-inch blade, or choose 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22 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, rosewood-and-white-wood or rosewood-and-horn spacer combinations, and full leather grips are available.
Scabbard Colour
The leather-covered wooden scabbard 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 Degen
- 5160 high carbon spring steel
- Oil-tempered to working hardness
- Full-tang construction
- Forged and shaped by hand
- A true broad, double-edged Degen blade with a fitted scabbard
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 Collection
Degen Medieval Dagger (15")
The long 15-inch Degen dagger.
Degen Dagger (12")
The broad, double-edged 12-inch Degen dagger.
Swiss/German Degen Sword
The full 24-inch Degen sword in the same lineage.
Baselard Dagger (17")
The Baselard sword-dagger crossover at the same length.
All Degen Medieval Swords
Browse the full Degen and Baselard range by length and pattern.
Who This Degen Is For
- European arms collectors — buyers who want a broad Degen crossover blade to bridge a dagger-and-sword collection, forged from the historical pattern.
- Reenactors and living history — Renaissance and early-modern portrayals that need a period-correct in-between blade in real, hand-forged steel.
- HEMA and historical fencing students — those studying side-blade and short-sword work with a real-weight piece. A blunt training version is available on request.
- Cutting-practice users — buyers who want a broad, fast, point-first 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 broad, double-edged Degen blade with its diamond cross-section.
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, curved guard, and capped pommel are fitted, both edges are brought up, and the leather-covered wooden scabbard is finished to match.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged Degen short sword-dagger in 5160 spring steel
- Leather-covered wooden scabbard in your chosen colour
- Personalised engraving where requested
- Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather
Shipping, Returns, and Warranty
Every blade 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 blades 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 Degen
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 blade out of the scabbard 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 Degen short sword-dagger?
Degen is the German word for "sword." This is the crossover form — a broad, double-edged Degen blade at 17 inches that sits between dagger and sword: longer and more commanding than a dagger, shorter and quicker than a full sword.
Is it a sword or a dagger?
It is the in-between. At 17 inches it has more reach than a dagger but stays quicker and more wearable than a full sword. For a shorter blade see the 15-inch Degen dagger; for the full length see the 24-inch Degen sword.
What are the dimensions of this blade?
The standard piece measures 22.5 inches overall, with a 17-inch blade and a 5.5-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 559 g. The length is a choice — you can specify 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22 inches before forging.
What steel is the blade made from?
The blade is forged from 5160 high carbon spring steel, also known as truck leaf-spring steel, 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 17-inch blade can be made at 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22 inches. Rosewood is the standard handle; white-wood (Sadhan), buffalo horn, spacer combinations, and full leather grips are available. Choose your options on this page when ordering.
Can I personalise or engrave the blade?
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 scabbard, and what colours are available?
Yes. Every Degen includes a leather-covered wooden scabbard for safe carry and storage. You can choose black, brown, yellow, red, green, or blue leather.
What is this Degen good for?
It is a collector's and reenactor's piece — a broad European Degen crossover that gives authentic Renaissance and early-modern presence. For historical fencing and cutting practice it is fast and point-first, 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 blades 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 Warranty and Returns Policy page.
Can I order a custom or fully bespoke Degen?
Yes. Specify your blade length, finish, handle, and scabbard colour with the options on this page, or commission a fully bespoke Degen from your own reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.
| Specification | |
| Blade: | 17 inches Long Blade made from Carbon steel |
| Total Length: | 23 inches long in Total |
| Handle: | 6 inches long Handle Made from Rosewood |
| Weight: | 560 Grams Arppoxmatly |
| Note: | All measurements are approximate and may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of the product. |
