This dagger was handcrafted by Fred Carter in 1984. Over the past 25 plus years, Fred Carter has established himself as one the industry's most renowned knifemakers of his generation, and is the solo author of his work, including engraving and gold inlay. He has held two terms as President of the Knifemaker's Guild, is a two-time recipient of the prestigious W.W. Cronk award and winner of the Beretta award for "Excellence in Craftsmanship." This Carter dagger features a 9 5/8 inch polished blue finished blade with a 3 3/4 inch long matte blued section featuring a silver and gold inlaid vine pattern. Matte blue finished fittings. The turned down guard has a grooved outer edge, a scroll engraving on a punch dot background, and the silver and gold inlaid vine pattern with gold border, which extends to the spacer between the handle and guard. The spacer is also signed with Fred Carter's initials ("FC") and dated "84". The acorn shaped pommel also features the silver and gold inlaid vine motif. The fluted ivory handle is adorned with twisted gold wire. OAL: 14 3/4"

Excellent, with most of the polished and matte blue finishes remaining with limited light spotting on the guard and blade. The polished blue finish has taken on a purple hue. The ivory has a few mild handling marks, with a nice grain pattern.