For those on the budget, or conflicted by space consideration, in my opinion the least expensive way to store and display small pieces, like dirks, daggers, etc., would be in glass top cardboard cases, like these. They protect your collection from dust, frivolous fingers, etc., and allow for various display options. They are very inexpensive, in the $15-$20 range. I have three of them, 42x32 cm, and they are fantastic for small [read tiny] armories, like mine.
Here's an unaffiliated link to a great website for all kinds of display ideas.
http://www.usadisplay.net/plexi/plex...hardboard.html