The Sword and Dagger of Giovanni dall'Agocchie
by Steven Reich

Guards of Sword and Dagger

Dall'Agocchie describes five different guards of sword and dagger, describing the position of the dagger as a guard. The guard of the dagger is designated in the same way a sword guard would be for a left-handed swordsman. That is, if the dagger is in Porta di Ferro Alta, then the left foot is forward and the dagger is inside the left knee, with the hand held somewhat higher than in Porta di Ferro.

Some Advice for the Sword and Dagger.

1. When you parry with the dagger and you beat your opponent’s sword to the outside (that is toward his right side)--especially against thrusts--beat it with the flat or with the true-edge as according to need, and turn your hand to the outside, keeping the arm well-extended. At the same time, turn your body behind your right side (that is, turning it in profile), as doing so will push your enemy’s attack more to the outside, giving you better protection. However, when you beat his sword toward his left side, you should always beat with the true-edge of your dagger, while turning your body in the other direction (that is, to your right).


2. As you parry with your dagger, you should also attack with your sword, always accompanying your hand with your foot, and turning your body in the way described above.


3. When you want to use both the weapons together to defend yourself, you should put your dagger behind your sword so that the true-edge of the dagger touches the false-edge of the sword, joining them together so that they make an ‘X’. Above all, you must extend your arms directly toward the face of your enemy to better protect yourself.


4. When you have attacked the enemy and he responds to you as detailed above, and you want to protect yourself from his riposte with both of your weapons, use the method given above. Also, when I speak of defending and offending with your weapons together, do this as I described, ensuring that the dagger is always behind the sword. Doing it this way gives the advantage that the sword is free to attack your enemy--especially with a riverso--and it also more powerful when parrying, because it is fortified by the dagger.