Dagger / Rondel

Medieval dagger fighting, or dolchfechten is a martial art that focuses on wrestling, joint manipulation, throws, and stabbing attacks. As a close combat technique, it shares many similarities with ringen (wrestling) of the same time period.

The dagger of choice around the fifteenth century was the rondel. The rondel was a long, thin dagger with a very sharp tip, designed for thrusting or stabbing an opponent. To maximize thrusting potential, the cross-section of the blade is thick, reducing its effectiveness as a cutting weapon. Most rondels are either single edged or even triangular, with no discernable edge. The weapon is named for the round discs on the top and bottom of the grip. It is basically an icepick.

The weapon was worn on the right hip (sometimes opposite a sword on the left hip) and was readily drawn by the right hand in a reverse grip. A reverse grip and a forward grip are both shown for attack and defense.