Italian Main Gauche Dagger with Blade-catch (17th century)

Blade-catching holes run the entire blade-length until it starts to taper toward the point.

The true edge is sharp, even if the back is not.

Interesting wire-wrap on the hilt.

Square holes with elongated corners, which I feel were created for catching enemy sword blades.  Even  an inch or two of the point in the hole would allow the wielder of the dagger to control his opponent's weapon.

The twisted shape of the quillion creates grooves that opponent's blades can fall into, which assists in binding maneuvers.  

The tip.

Face in the scrollwork of the knuckle guard.

Interesting blade stamp/makers mark.

Another shot of the point and blade-catchers.

This dagger can be seen at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Dated to 166, from Naples.

Italian Parrying Dagger (17th century)

Parrying dagger or "main gauche".

The dagger would be used in the left hand with the sword in the right.

There is an interesting cross design on ricasso. And there appears to be two blade stamp/maker's mark.  Some sort of X or star and a sun symbol perhaps.

The sunflower-motif seems to be the same as the sword, which leads me to think they are a pair.

The parrying dagger seems to have better geometry for slicing than the sword.

Half of the true edge (edge facing out) has firework. Rather than mere decoration, I think that the purpose was so that it created the possibility of catching or binding an opponents blade after a parry.

The V notches and the button on the cross guard would help bind an opponents blade. I think that if the right angle and pressure was applied the wielder could take control of a sword by binding it between the firework and the scrollwork on the guard.

The crescent cut-outs are also designed for catching and binding enemy swords. I don't think it was something that they would seek to do, but they could if the opportunity presented itself.

On display at the DIA.

Swords and Daggers of the DIA

The small collection of blades at the Detroit Institute of Arts.  I have some close-ups of most of the weapons, but this is about the only photo I have that shows the full size and relative scale of each weapon. I plan on uploading detailed pictures of each weapon soon.

Italian Side-ring Dagger (17th Century)

The dagger would be held in the left hand for parrying, while using a sword in the right.

The side-ring on the guard would protect the outside of the hand (i.e. the knuckle side).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQmVQIgwa4

The tip looks sharp as a needle, yet blade geometry keeps it strong. A serious stabbing tool. 

The holes in the fuller illustrate how sophisticated the weapon-smith must have been.

Not sure what the inscription says or means

Impressively elaborate decoration on the side-ring.

This dagger can be seen at the Detroit Institute of Arts.