The Loegaire (#1905)

This knife is one of our special Urnes Staves Church blades. A 12^th century stave church located in Norway, the Urnes Stave Church is renowned for its many examples of unique iconography including classic examples of Viking knotwork. While a site of Christian worship from the early 11^th to the late 19^th century, many of the thematic elements in the artwork are thought to be of old Norse origin. Certain knives in the Halstein Forge line belong to a special collection inspired by the Urnes Stave Church – knotwork on the handles has been taken from the designs in the church itself. We hope you will be inspired, as we were, to learn more about this special church and its rich history.

The name Lóegaire is an Irish Gaelic name of peculiar origin. Several prominent figures in Irish history bore the name, most notably several of Ireland’s High Kings – Lóegaire mac Néill, for example, who was High King of Ireland during the time of St. Patrick and had two daughters who were converted to Christianity by the saint. What makes this so strange, though, is the figure from ancient Ireland who bore the name prior to those famous kings. Likely the most known historical figure with the name is Lóegaire Búadach, called Lóegaire the Victorious, from the Ulster Cycle – a collection of traditional Irish tales and folklore. Unlike many other figures in the tale Lóegaire Búadach appears in the story as almost a comic relief figure – always seeming to come up short when it counts. The story of his death seems to fit with the character’s down-on-his-luck idiom – while rushing to the aid of a condemned man, he strikes himself a mortal wound on the frame of a door. Still – Lóegaire Búadach manages to kill thirty men and rescue the condemned man before he succumbs, so perhaps it is not so ignoble an end after all.

The Halstein Forge Lóegaire is the definitive Celtic dirk. The handle is carved with knotwork, inspired by Celtic designs as well as the artwork in the Urnes Staves Church. The oak handle is stained dark, which is common for knives from Celtic cultures. The double edged blade has a short, thick ricasso, and is made of our Damascus pattern-welded steel. Lóegaire Búadach and the Irish High Kings who came after him may not have carried this knife, but if they came across it they would surely recognize it as a worthy companion.

Finely crafted Damascus steel Knives by skilled blade smiths, each knife is individually crafted, sculpted assembled and refined by a team of skilled knife makers.

Classic elegance with stunning complexity, each knife presents its own character, geometry, and elegance, combining functionality with artistry, rending each unique collectible knife into a true work of art.

A subdivision of world renowned sword makers, Darksword Armory inc., Halstein Forge individually hand crafts each knife in their shop located in Montreal, Canadian.

The Loegaire is forged with a blend of 1075 and 8670m steel, giving a stunning contrast to the folded steel layering.

Specs:
Total length: 13 3/4 inches
Grip: 5 inches
weight: 11.53 oz