The akinakai from Deve Hüyük are the best examples known to me this kind of dagger designed for combat in an Achaemenid context. They have plain iron hilts with T-pommels and very short blades which probably reached a maximum of only about 9 inches (23cm) before corrosion, sometimes having low mid-ridges. I think they are likely one of the best choices for a middle-class soldier's sidearm. The design would also work for a Western Scythian impression.
I commissioned
this reproduction based
an akinakes held at the British Museum from Gladush Dmitry, proprietor of Etsy shop Fantasycraft39, based in Kaliningrad, Russia. Gladush will produce the same design for you on request. The blade is heat-treated 60C2 high-carbon steel. If you only want one for display and non-contact reenactment, a lower price is available for a mild steel blade. Gladush and I discussed the requirements at length; he was very accommodating to my feedback on improvements.
It's vital to note at the outset that due to domestic laws in Kaliningrad Oblast, the dagger ships in two pieces, so you either have to be able to peen the tang yourself (or find a friend who has the tools and knowhow), or weld it. I attempted to peen the tang and failed, so I wound up having it finished by a local welding shop,
Weld Republic in Newtown (the proprietor, Glenn, is another fellow I had a great time working with, and his rates are surprisingly cheap). Also, the blade cannot be shipped sharp from Kaliningrad, but the edge isn't terribly thick - it's comparable to the factory edge on an Atlanta Cutlery blade - so sharpening it shouldn't be much trouble.
After assembly. Glenn's weld is completely invisble.
Before assembly.
You'll note that this first edition arrived with edges on the guard that weren't rounded off, but Gladush says that they can be on future daggers, at no additional cost. Also, while the dimensions of this one are in keeping with historical examples, some buyers may wish for slightly different ones, such as a thicker blade (the British Museum example is only 5mm with the mid-ridge and pretty light, but a few others appear to have been thicker) or a different grip length depending on the size of your hand. Again, small adjustments won't increase the price.
To improve hold on the grip, I wrapped it in
2mm hemp cord according to
an instructional by Tony Drake at RAT (RAT account needed to view full-sized photos; go ahead, it's free). This kind of wrapping would likely need to be replaced periodically as it became grimy or worked loose, but it seems tight enough to last several battles and is only a few minutes' work. Lastly, I filled the slight gap between the guard and blade with beeswax-linseed oil to keep water from getting in and rusting inside the hilt. I suspect a more authentic option, if you can get it, would be something along the lines of melted cutler's resin, put into the hilt before the tang is inserted.
