Mains gauches

Parrying Dagger

The parrying dagger was an indispensable sidearm for European swordsmen in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. This compact weapon was carried in the left hand and combined defense and attack in a single functional design. In a time when the rapier was central to the art of dueling, the parrying dagger offered the finesse and control needed to block attacks at close range, guide the opponent's blade, or create an opening for a counterattack.

Over the centuries, various variants were developed. Some daggers featured a wide metal shield or shell-shaped guard to provide more hand safety, while other models had a more complex blade to trap enemy swords. Two famous examples are the sword breaker, with deep notches to trap a blade, and the trident dagger, whose blade could unfold into three prongs. These special editions were less common but demonstrate the craftsmanship and creativity of the weaponsmiths of that time.

Main gauche

Around the 17th century, the classic parrying dagger gave way to the main gauche, a robust left-hand weapon that became especially popular in Italy and Spain. This dagger had longer quillons, a wide knuckle guard, and decorations that matched the accompanying rapier. Together they formed an elegant yet deadly combination.

Although the use of parrying daggers in modern fencing has largely disappeared, the weapon remains popular in HEMA, reenactment, and historical swordsmanship. Thanks to its unique appearance and versatility, the parrying dagger remains a fascinating part of the European fighting tradition.