Overview
As early as the 15th and 16th centuries, the Swiss dagger was widely carried by Swiss pikemen and, due to its blade length, often occupied a position between dagger and sword. Known as the baselard, it typically served as a secondary weapon and was not issued as standard equipment, but privately acquired by the soldiers themselves. Following the extraordinary Twisted Damascus edition, Boker now presents the Swiss Dagger in Mosaic Damascus—one of the most demanding and prestigious forms of Damascus forging. Considered the pinnacle of the bladesmith’s art, Mosaic Damascus transforms this historic dagger into an exceptional centerpiece for any serious collection. Unlike conventional Damascus, Mosaic Damascus is not created by layering steel. Instead, complex Damascus bars are painstakingly forged by hand into a mosaic through an intricate, multi-stage process. Initially stacked layers are cut apart, rearranged, and re-forged in staggered configurations to create a distinct pattern at the ends of the bar. This process is repeated multiple times, with each iteration refining and intensifying the uniqueness of the pattern. In the final stage, the individual elements are assembled and forged into a square billet, where the ends of the bars form an entirely new surface. Forging temperature, deformation rate, and material flow must be perfectly synchronized—an exceptionally demanding discipline mastered by only a few smiths worldwide. For the Boker Swiss Dagger Mosaic Damast, this process is executed to perfection by renowned Damascus bladesmith Chad Nichols. The double-edged blade, sharpened to a fine point, features the historically accurate diamond-shaped cross section, prized for its outstanding stability and effectiveness. Characteristic of the Swiss dagger are the distinctive curved pommel and crossguard, a design tradition traceable to the early 13th century and faithfully preserved in this handcrafted edition. The deep, shimmering handle is crafted from hand-selected, certified imported ebony, framed by the highly polished pommel and guard to create a harmonious and elegant whole. A custom-designed, hand-stitched leather sheath underscores the exclusivity of this remarkable collector’s piece. The dagger is delivered in a premium wooden presentation box, complete with an individual serial number and a certificate of authenticity. Handmade in the Boker Knife Manufactory in Solingen, the Swiss Dagger Mosaic Damast represents the fusion of historic form, masterful metallurgy, and uncompromising craftsmanship.
Comes with original box and papers. Excellent condition. #291/500
