Arms and Armor Wallace Collection Ballock Dagger Set.
Does anyone have any feedback about Arms and Armor's Wallace Collection Ballock Dagger (& Eating knife, Picker and Scabbard Set)? Thanks,

Bryan Kramer
I placed an order with A&A and was on the phone with Craig today. I've had my eye on this knife set ever since it was introduced so it was a topic of discussion. One interesting thing is that the blades on this set are forged instead of being ground from stock, as is most of their product line. This feature makes this set even more interesting to me.

If you examine the Wallace Catalog photograph of the original you'll find that the A&A product is pretty spot-on.

I want one!
This set is very high on my list, as well. I also spoke with Craig about a week ago, getting some details lined out in preparation for picking up a few pieces.

My discussion on this piece primarily involved the grip and the scabbard (how it is patterned directly off of the original, and how complex it is to get the by-knife and pricker to fit properly). It was a bugger to get right, but now that it is... it is sweet.

As much as I want some other pieces, this one is really, really calling me. My influx of swords may just have to take a breather for a few pieces, starting right here. A month or so and this baby is probably mine.
Patrick Kelly wrote:
One interesting thing is that the blades on this set are forged instead of being ground from stock, as is most of their product line.


I'm curious, did Craig give any reason as to why they decided to forge the blade instead of grind it down from stock?
Grind vs Forge
Hey Jason

Its actually quicker and easier.

Craig
Re: Grind vs Forge
Craig Johnson wrote:
Hey Jason

Its actually quicker and easier.

Craig


Is that due to the size of the blade?
Size and shape
Its due to not only the size but the shape as well. The thing with this type of dagger is the back edge is usually quite thick and the by knife and pick are very three dimensional as well.

Best
Craig
I've had the A&A copy for something like a year, so I've got a pretty good familiarity with it. It's a very nice set. I was at the Wallace in November and made a point of spending quite some time looking at the originals. The dagger & by-pieces are spot-on, needing perhaps a bit of finish on the wood, but that's trivial.

It's really a nice set.

(perfectionist mode)

What it needs to be truly spot-on is a bit of work is the sheath, which is nice, but constructed diferently, the leather is a bit thick, and it ought be tooled before it matched the original. I've sketches and have been meaning to get around to a making new one, but haven't found the time, or my notes. ;)
Re: Size and shape
Craig Johnson wrote:
Its due to not only the size but the shape as well. The thing with this type of dagger is the back edge is usually quite thick and the by knife and pick are very three dimensional as well.

Best
Craig


Craig,

The shape of your rondel dagger is similar - is that usually forged or ground?
Interesting to get that bit of insight.

Thanks!
Gordon
Rondel
Hello Gordon

The rondel is stock removal as it is set up as more of a production piece and the blade is a good deal larger than the Ballock.

Best
Caig
Jeff Johnson wrote:
I've had the A&A copy for something like a year, so I've got a pretty good familiarity with it. It's a very nice set. I was at the Wallace in November and made a point of spending quite some time looking at the originals. The dagger & by-pieces are spot-on, needing perhaps a bit of finish on the wood, but that's trivial.

It's really a nice set.

(perfectionist mode)

What it needs to be truly spot-on is a bit of work is the sheath, which is nice, but constructed diferently, the leather is a bit thick, and it ought be tooled before it matched the original. I've sketches and have been meaning to get around to a making new one, but haven't found the time, or my notes. ;)


Jeff ,

Would you be willing to share your sketches/notes? I'll been tinkering with a ballock dagger but have no idea what an appropriate scabbard might look like. I've only recently taken an interest in 15thC items. Leather work is more my thing than bladework. At least my dagger might look right in the sheath. ;)

Thanks in advance for any help you care to offer.

Kel

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