Hoplite Knives / Daggers ?

[chukissaki]

What was used as a camp/ field knife by Hoplites in 480 BC era ?
What are the reenactors using ?
I have done a search, but can't come up with much.

[hoplite14gr]

The knife maker in Greek Macheropoios and the knife machera.
Most utensil blades are scattered across museumms.

In Peiraeus museum a small oveloi (large pins) have been interpreted by the archaeologists as a type of fork and in Agora Museum there is the most well known cooking ware exhibited.

Kind regards

[chukissaki]

Thanks. What would these look like ? Small kopis ?

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

There were several types of knives, kopis-looking ones were aming them, but also more straight ones and well, it is hard to find images of them but there are both archeological finds and vase depictions. There were also different types of handles, with a tang or with riveted scales like most modern kitchen knives.
The problem is that most of them were made of iron and are in poor state
Khaire
Giannis

[chukissaki]

There were several types of knives, kopis-looking ones were aming them, but also more straight ones and well, it is hard to find images of them but there are both archeological finds and vase depictions. There were also different types of handles, with a tang or with riveted scales like most modern kitchen knives.
The problem is that most of them were made of iron and are in poor state
Khaire
Giannis

Thanks. What do you carry for a camp knife ?

[chukissaki]

Here are a couple i can find via Google image search, with accompanying text ...



"An iron machera or curved knife with scabbard; the blade with thick rear, edge to the inner face, impressed geometric designs including two chevrons and roundels; the guard elliptical in section and ribbed; the tang flat with three rivet holes, one rivet remaining; the pommel an elliptical cap; the scabbard curved to follow the blade's profile, with a band below the mouth.

Culture/Period:
Circa 5th-2nd century BC"




"This is a substantial, chunky piece with a bronze handle and iron blade in quite good condition. There is still a slight edge on the blade. With the metal remnants of the orginal leather scabbard: the scabbard tip and another metal element.

In the style of the Greek Machera but found in Eastern Europe.

Roman, probably 1st century."

[John Conyard]

I think there is a fair bit of choice out there.

I loved this version from the Oxford Alexander exhibition last spring.


[attachment=3862]005_2012-04-28.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=3863]003_2012-04-28.JPG[/attachment]

and any of these would do.


[attachment=3864]Rotherham-20120425-00023.jpg[/attachment]

[chukissaki]

I think there is a fair bit of choice out there.

I loved this version from the Oxford Alexander exhibition last spring.


[attachment=3862]005_2012-04-28.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=3863]003_2012-04-28.JPG[/attachment]

and any of these would do.


[attachment=3864]Rotherham-20120425-00023.jpg[/attachment]

How bout these ?

[John Conyard]

Tell me about the top example. It looks very interesting.

[chukissaki]

Tell me about the top example. It looks very interesting.

I was in search of a late Roman utility knife, inspired by the custom one Cheyenne here had made, along with other historic examples I have seen here and elsewhere.
I had a knifemaker from sword forum international make it for me. His name is Christopher Makin, he owns Sandiaforge.com
Blade is 1095 flat ground to a wicked edge, about 12" overall with about 7" blade. He charged me 80$ USD, and wait was about 3 weeks.
I still have to make the handle scales.

[John Conyard]

Thank you for the link. Interesting stuff.

[Theron_of _Sikyon]

I had a reproduction of two of these knives made recently. I think they turned out nice,

Edward

[John Conyard]

They look really good. I especially like the top one. And the new kopis looks good as well.

[Theron_of _Sikyon]

Thank you. I am trying to get ready for Marathon. Not sure if I can travel during tha time yet but I would rather be ready and not able to go than the other way around.

Edward