Spanish Albacete Dagger.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
New addition, 7 3/4 inch blade O.A. just shy of 12 inches. I guess second half 19thC, it is sharp starting approx 2 inches up from the point I presume to keep the point thicker and sturdier. It still has the brass insert which appears to be missing on quite a few. Very 'comfortable' in hand. Any and all replies appreciated.
Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Hi Norman,

Very nice example of a Punal (dagger) Type B.
As you rightly say, probobly made in Albacete in the second half of the 19th century.
These insert blade types are very interesting. What does it do?

Best
Gene

P.S. Carlos has got an impressive selection fo these:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16211

[Atlantia]

As a little post-script. My Type B also has no attempt at an edge near the point. In fact. On mine (shown below) the first 3cm are not edged. Very reminicent of an armour piercing tip. Well noted Norman, I don't think I've seen it mentioned before.
Perhaps Carlos will see this and can offer a comparison with his numerous examples?

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Gene,
Thanks for coming in on this, trawling the past threads I did note you had a certain penchant for these daggers. As far as the voids and inserts go I can only see a decorative element to these, far too far up the blade for 'poison' and why would you want to put poison on them anyway the blade profile is excellent as it is for thrusting to a depth that would be meaningful. My blade does not have a proper edge for 8.5 cms from the point and then it is perfectly sharp up to the point where it cuts in under the guard. Rather than a reinforced point per se I would surmise material has not been removed by sharpening that section thereby leaving it more robust for the obvious reasons, makes sense? I think these knives are meant to be both decorative and designed to be used much like the S.American Criollo (gaucho) knives. I really like the earlier one you have, quite a menacing beast. Thanks again for your interest.
My Regards,
Norman.

P.S. It would be interesting if those members who have one/some of these daggers to check out if theirs has an unsharpened point and to what extent up the blade it remains so.

[carlos]

Hello !!
Congratulations with this adquisition !!
Thanks for comment my collection, In Spain this type of knives are common in collectors web pages or antiques shop web page, and not more expensive.
I have seen my examples and I have seen one with this type without edged near the point.
Best regards

carlos

[Atlantia]

Hi Guys,

Well you know I'm always ready to talk about these!
I've tried to photograph the ppoint of mine edge-on to illustrate.