"Main-gauche" parade dagger with retractable blade

The parrying dagger is the quintessential weapon for the weak hand. In the rapier and dagger treatises of the 16th and 17th centuries, from Camillo Agrippa to Ridolfo Capoferro, it is used to deflect the opponent's blade, to close a line while the rapier attacks, and to strike itself when the distance closes. Go-Now offers a training version that allows practicing this dual-weapon style at full speed.

A complete parrying dagger guard

The guard incorporates the typical elements of 17th-century parrying daggers, particularly Spanish ones. It features long straight quillons and a groin guard that covers the back of the hand. A large guard connects to the pommel. This enveloping guard allows receiving the opponent's blade close to the hand to deflect it, as taught in the parry work by Italian masters.

A retractable spring blade

The blade combines a rigid sleeve attached to the guard and a finer rod. Under the pressure of a thrust, the rod slides inside the sleeve. The spring absorbs part of the blow's energy instead of transmitting it to the partner, then the blade returns to its length. A foam tip finishes the point. This is the same principle as the Go-Now rapier with a retractable tip. It allows committed thrusts where a rigid dagger forces one to hold back blows.

All rounded ends

The pommel and both quillons finish with balls [in stainless steel, to be confirmed]. During close combat, grabs, or pommel strikes, no sharp angles catch on a mask or jacket. The molded plastic handle features a textured surface and a central bulge for a firm grip.

For what practice?

This dagger is designed for sparring and full-intensity exercises in rapier and dagger. Paired with the rapier [name to be confirmed], it forms a cohesive set for safely approaching two-weapon combat, from beginner to advanced practitioner. Its round blade does not reproduce the contact of a flat blade. For detailed study of bindings and the feel of the steel, a parrying dagger in nylon or steel remains truer. As with any simulator, wearing a fencing mask and gloves is required.