How to Buy a Dagger

Determine your needs. If you are looking for a dagger for recreation, find a dagger that focuses on utility. If you want an ornamental dagger for display, look for daggers that have historical value or artistic decorative elements.

Set a budget. Daggers can range from around ten bucks for low quality metal and handle materials to upwards of $600 for well-made custom daggers. If you are looking for antique daggers, budget anywhere from $300 to $1000 for daggers in good repair. For mid-grade decorative daggers, budget around $200 dollars, and for utility daggers budget between $50 to $150.

Research before you buy. The materials in your dagger will most likely determine its functionality, decorative allure and value. Stainless steel is the modern standard for blades. Handle material can vary from resin to ivory. Antique and ornamental daggers are made from diverse metals and alloys, which makes them prone to being counterfeited.

Choose a style. Dagger designs vary from culture to culture. Modern decorative designs are often based on dagger styles from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Functional blades are often straight, tapered, flat and sharpened on both sides. More decorative styles can include the Roman dagger, a wide straight blade that slightly curves in at the middle, or the Indian dagger which is a flat blade that curves to the side with a flat, sharpened edge and is meant to be held upright.