The start of my kit

[Jon Blair]

Every kit has to start somewhere. That first step taken into a brave new world. This is my second step; however, it arrived first. It is Arms and Armor's #240 Morgan Bible dagger with some minor changes. There are two examples that I know of that are shown in the Morgan Bible, often called the Maciejowski Bible, but Morgan Bible is easier to spell. The first is found in folio 10, approximately the middle of the picture near the top, and the second in folio 24, upper right had side embedded in some poor guy's skull.

First off, the dagger is gorgeous. Simple and elegant, it would have been at home hanging from a knight's belt in the time it was in vogue circa 1250. The blade came sharp, but not to the point where you can shave with it. The blade is 9 1/16-inches long and the overall length is 14 1/16-inches. The grip is short at 3 5/16-inches. I don't have a scale, but I'd put the weight at around a pound, give or take. The leather of both the grip and the sheath are black. The sheath is fairly simple, just thick black leather stitched up the back with a loop.

Of course, I couldn't just let it be and get the stock version. I contacted Craig Johnson at A&A and asked him if we could customize. The stock dagger has a threaded pommel and a grip that is stitched on. I asked for mine to have a peened pommel and a skivved and burnished grip. It took a little longer, but the final piece is wonderful.

Sorry the pictures aren't the best: they are from my camera phone.

[Jon Blair]

Here's the dagger. For some reason, the photo did not attach.

[Jon Blair]

Finally, the peen.

[Sir Rodney]

I like the customization of A&A's stock piece, very nice! 

[Jon Blair]

Okay, now for the solicitation of ideas. I bought a sheath with my dagger. It is a fairly simple affair; heavy leather dyed black, sewn up the back, with a leather thong for suspension. No decoration whatsoever. So how would a late 13th century knight have decorating his dagger sheath, if at all? Incised lines? Geometric shapes or specific figures? Latin inscriptions? Paint/dye? Metal parts like a chape or locket? If metal was used, latten (brass) or steel? Nothing at all? Would the dagger itself be decorated in any manner?

[Ian]

Knives and Scabbards has some dagger sheathes in it too, but the motifs on even the knife scabbards are indicative of the appropriate leather decoration of the period.  It's loaded with extant examples.

[Jon Blair]

Now I have a new entry into my kit: an Albion Knight. I also bought a scabbard made by Buck from Albion to match.

[Lord Dane]

Albion. Always a nice addition.

[Sir William]

One of their best swords, imho.

[Sir Rodney]

Solid choice! 

[Jon Blair]

Well, my Albion Knight is returning to New Glarus. The recent change in the weather resulted in manufacturer's defect in the grip becoming a big issue. The grip squeaks and shifts when handled. Fortunately, Albion is going to put a new grip on it. Unfortunately, I found out that I was overcharged for the sword. I used the invoice paperwork that I had left in the sleeve in the box to write down the problem. I hadn't really looked at the paperwork until now, but I realized that they never deducted the 10% armed forces active duty/retiree/veteran's discount. Word to the wise, look the paperwork over when you get something like that. Ah well.

[Jon Blair]

Well, my Knight has returned better than before. And Mike credited my account for a future purchase with the amount of the discount. So all's well that ends well.
Now to decide on what will be the next piece of kit: helm or arming garments.

[Lord Dane]

Arming garments. Start with essentials by doing braies, etc and work outwards.

[Sir Rodney]

Arming garments. Start with essentials by doing braies, etc and work outwards.

+1

I wish I had forums like this back in the day!

[Sir Patrick]

+2

Make them yourself if you are able, especially gambesons/ aketons. A good fit there means you can more closely tailor your mail. Improves movement and cuts down on weight. Also, a lot of off the rack arming garments aren't stuffed with natural fibers which is bad for heat conduction. Trust me, it's hot enough wearing a kit that's done right.