- Model: Swiss Baselard
- Product Code: SwissBaselard01
- Location: Kathmandu,Nepal
Available Options
Swiss Baselard — A Hand-Forged Medieval Dagger
The Swiss Baselard from Everest Forge is the Swiss-dagger form that grew out of the medieval Baselard — the Schwiizerdolch, or Basler Messer, of 14th-century Switzerland and Central Europe. Known as the Baselard, this lineage evolved from earlier knightly daggers into one of the most recognisable sidearms of its time, and into the Swiss dagger this piece is patterned on.
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, double-edged blade — about two inches at the guard, tapering to a long point — set into a shaped wood grip with a down-swept guard and a capped pommel, and comes with a leather-covered wooden scabbard. The standard blade is 12 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.
The Swiss Baselard — A Brief History
The Baselard takes its name from the Swiss city of Basel, and from the 14th to the 15th centuries it was carried by townsmen, soldiers, and travellers across Switzerland, Germany, France, and England — as much a mark of standing as a working sidearm. Over time the form evolved into the distinctly Swiss dagger, with its shaped grip and down-swept guard, the pattern this piece follows.
This is the Swiss-dagger expression of the Baselard family. For the broader history of the form — its etymology, its place in medieval literature, and how it branched into the Swiss dagger and Swiss short sword — see the 17-inch Baselard. This piece carries that lineage in a refined Swiss dagger.
Why This Swiss Baselard Stands Apart
True Swiss Baselard lineage
Patterned on the Swiss dagger that descended from the medieval Baselard — the Schwiizerdolch of 14th-century Switzerland.
Distinctive Swiss-dagger hilt
A shaped wood grip with a down-swept guard and a capped pommel — the refined fittings that mark the Swiss form of the Baselard.
Broad, double-edged blade
About two inches wide at the guard and tapering to a long point — a true double-edged blade with presence and reach.
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.
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 Swiss Baselard
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 12-inch blade, or choose 10, 14, 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.
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 Swiss Baselard
- 5160 high carbon spring steel
- Oil-tempered to working hardness
- Full-tang construction
- Forged and shaped by hand
- An authentic Swiss-dagger profile 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 & Baselard Collection
Baselard Dagger (17")
The broad 17-inch Baselard sword-dagger with its H-hilt.
Baselard Dagger (14")
The compact 14-inch Baselard dagger.
Baselard Short Sword
The full 20.5-inch Baselard short sword.
Swiss/German Degen Dagger
The Swiss and German Degen dagger, a companion Swiss blade.
All Degen Medieval Swords
Browse the full Degen and Baselard range by length and pattern.
Who This Swiss Baselard Is For
- European arms collectors — buyers who want an authentic Swiss Baselard to anchor a Swiss or Central European arms collection, forged from the historical pattern.
- Reenactors and living history — 14th-to-15th-century Swiss and Central European portrayals that need a period-correct 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 broad, 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 Swiss Baselard blade, and the down-swept guard and capped pommel are 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 wood grip is shaped and fitted, both edges are brought up, and the leather-covered wooden scabbard is finished to match.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged Swiss Baselard 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 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 Swiss Baselard
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 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 wood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Swiss Baselard?
The Baselard, known in Swiss-German as the Schwiizerdolch or Basler Messer, is a medieval dagger named for the Swiss city of Basel. Carried across Europe from the 14th to the 15th centuries, the form evolved into the distinctly Swiss dagger — a broad, double-edged blade with a shaped grip and down-swept guard, the pattern this Swiss Baselard follows.
How is the Swiss Baselard different from the other Baselards?
This is the Swiss-dagger expression of the Baselard, with a shaped wood grip, a down-swept guard, and a capped pommel. The 17-inch Baselard and 14-inch Baselard carry the earlier bar-style H-hilt; this one follows the later Swiss form.
What are the dimensions of this dagger?
The standard piece measures 18 inches overall, with a 12-inch blade about 2 inches wide at the guard and a 6-inch handle, weighing approximately 560 g without the scabbard. The length is a choice — you can specify 10, 14, 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 12-inch blade can be made at 10, 14, 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 scabbard, and what colours are available?
Yes. Every Swiss Baselard 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 Swiss Baselard good for?
It is a collector's and reenactor's piece — an authentic Swiss dagger that gives genuine late-medieval presence. For historical fencing and cutting practice it is broad 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 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 Swiss Baselard?
Yes. Specify your blade length, finish, handle, and scabbard colour with the options on this page, or commission a fully bespoke Swiss Baselard from your own reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.
| Specification | |
| Blade: | 12 inches Long Blade made from 5160 leaf spring of Tuck |
| Total Length: | 18 inches long in Total |
| Handle: | 6 inches long Full tang Handle made from Rosewood |
| Weight: | 710 Grams |
| Note: | Each dagger is handmade. Minor variations in weight, dimensions, finish, and leather color are natural characteristics of hand-forged medieval blades. |
