Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ???

Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Printable Version

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Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - chukissaki - 02-09-2012

What type of knife, dagger, sidearm was used by the Late Roman Army ? I have searched here and elsewhere, some people say seax, some say no way. I have found pics of ring handled knives with recurved blades. Is there anything that was generally in use, or just whatever the soldier could acquire ?
Apologies if this is the wrong section.

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - John Conyard - 02-09-2012

http://comitatus.net/Documents/RomanknifearticleStephenAtkinson-2.pdf

Some late Roman soldiers seem to carry knives that are slightly larger than others! Some examples from Larkhills seem to be as big as they get.

The Seax is worn by some re-enactors but it comes to the UK in the 7th century. Well after the Romans have left.

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Robert Vermaat - 02-09-2012

I carry a knife from a 4th c. context found on the Donderderg (NL).
http://en.noviolocus.com/assortiment/447/7/Knives/artikel/6/Late-Roman-knife.html

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Gaius Julius Caesar - 02-09-2012

[attachment=2947]200727271108_smm1.jpg[/attachment]
While possibly a little early, I carry a knife which was found in context from 2nd to mid 3rd early 4th. But only around camp, in battle kit I put it aside. (No point in wrecking it)

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Caballo - 02-09-2012

Here are my side arms- each made by distinguished members of RAT. The less good leatherwork is done by me and not as good as the knives!

[Image: CIMG1475.jpg]

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - ValentinianVictrix - 02-09-2012

What about the axes mentioned by Ammianus and shown in the Notitia?

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Robert Vermaat - 02-10-2012

Quote: (No point in wrecking it)

Indeed, that one must have cost quite a bit. Although.. are Comitatus shows really that violent?? ;-)

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Robert Vermaat - 02-10-2012

Quote:Here are my side arms- each made by distinguished members of RAT.

Very nice Paul. How do you prevent losing that knife while still being able to draw it easily?

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Gaius Julius Caesar - 02-10-2012

Quote:
Gaius Julius Caesar post=306214 Wrote:(No point in wrecking it)
Indeed, that one must have cost quite a bit. Although.. are Comitatus shows really that violent?? ;-)

one rule for some, another for others. :wink:

Just seen an intersting piece on Armillums website.

http://www.armillum-fabrica.com/cuchillos/cuchillo-simancas

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Robert Vermaat - 02-10-2012

Quote:
Robert Vermaat post=306303 Wrote:
Gaius Julius Caesar post=306214 Wrote:(No point in wrecking it)
Although.. are Comitatus shows really that violent?? ;-)
one rule for some, another for others. :wink:

Poor man! Are they thát rough on you? Wink

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Caballo - 02-10-2012

Here are my side arms- each made by distinguished members of RAT.
Very nice Paul. How do you prevent losing that knife while still being able to draw it easily?
_________________________________
Robert Vermaat

The scabbards are fleece lined with veggie tinned leather shrunk (when wet) to snugly fit the knife, and the leather half covers the handle. Never had a problem!

I'm sure that the originals would have been more decorated with leather carving etc , but without any Late Roman knife scabbards surviving.... :roll:

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - John Conyard - 02-10-2012

Play nicely Robert :twisted:

Our shows are the most violent I know.

Bodies and blood everywhere, and that is just the evening socials.

As Paul says scabbards are shrunk on to the knife, all standard stuff.

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Gaius Julius Caesar - 02-10-2012

Robert can speak for himself conyard, as can I when my posts are not
being deleted and edited by someone else.

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - M. Demetrius - 02-10-2012

Quote:(No point in wrecking it)

I imagine that fine brass work is a little fragile. Once it's bent, it's really hard to make it lie flat after that. Sure is a pretty sheath!

Re: Late Roman Dagger / Sidearm ??? - Gaius Julius Caesar - 02-10-2012

Quote:
I'm sure that the originals would have been more decorated with leather carving etc , but without any Late Roman knife scabbards surviving.... :roll:

Paul, look at the link I posted.