Cudeman 113-L dagger with olive wood handle: full-tang steel for the finishing blow
The Cudeman 113-L dagger is a genuine large-format dagger, designed with a very specific and specialised purpose in mind. Its 24 cm symmetrical blade places it among the largest pieces in the Cudeman catalogue, where it stands as the only natural dagger of its kind. The slender silhouette answers to technical criteria rather than aesthetic ones: every line is built for fluid, resistance-free penetration, which makes it one of the preferred tools for the French hunter looking for a deep, decisive intervention.
Defining features
- Direct penetration: a 24 cm blade with a natural dagger point and a 2.5 cm width, designed to pierce with minimal friction and deliver a fast, clean finishing blow.
- Full-tang construction: unlike many daggers on the market, it is built as a single full-tang piece with a constant 4.8 mm thickness from end to end, giving it remarkable structural strength.
- Agile handling: it weighs around 350 g, a figure that favours quick changes of direction and a fast response on the strike.
- Secure grip: the satin-finished 420 stainless steel guard acts as a stop, preventing the hand from sliding onto the double edge during the thrust.
Steel and edge
The blade is worked in molybdenum-vanadium steel with a hardness of 54/56 HRc. For a dagger of these proportions it is a sound choice, as it combines the toughness needed to absorb impacts without fracturing with a working edge that holds up over time. Its satin finish makes cleaning and care straightforward, and offers good resistance to environmental corrosion and to contact with fluids, a particularly relevant aspect in tools of this kind.
Construction and durability
What sets the 113-L apart is a sturdiness rarely found in such slim profiles. Being full-tang, the energy travels evenly along its 37 cm total length. A fuller cut into the blade balances the weight and, at the same time, reinforces rigidity against torsion. It is worth remembering that, due to its symmetrical geometry and hollow grind, this is a tool optimised exclusively for piercing and cutting: it is not intended for prying or for chopping tasks.
Handle and ergonomics
The handle is made from natural satin-finished olive wood, a timber that conveys warmth and a very recognisable organic feel. Olive wood stands out for its tones and its one-of-a-kind grain, and provides an ergonomic grip that moulds naturally to the palm. The flat aluminium rivets ensure a firm, lasting hold, without creating chafing or fatigue points even during prolonged use.
Sheath and carry
A tool of this size demands an impeccable carry. It comes with a quality brown leather sheath, handcrafted by Cudeman for a precise fit. This sheath covers the double edge and ensures reliable carry on the belt, with a fast, silent draw when needed.
Use cases
- Finishing the kill in big-game hunting: the dagger point makes it especially effective at closing the hunt directly.
- Collector's piece: as the only genuine large-format dagger by Cudeman, it is a display piece sought after by enthusiasts of Spanish semi-handcrafted cutlery.
- Hunting use: suited to the hound handler who needs a long, narrow blade with full mechanical reliability; it is a profile that is very widespread in France.
Care and maintenance
- Clean the blade after every use and dry it thoroughly before storing it to preserve the condition of the steel.
- Occasionally treat the olive wood handle with mineral oil or natural wax, keeping the wood hydrated and alive.
- Do not leave the dagger inside the leather sheath when ambient humidity is very high, to prevent condensation from rusting the steel.
- Refresh both edges with fine-grit stones, always respecting the original grind angle of the dagger point.
The Cudeman 113-L dagger pushes traditional craftsmanship to the limit of functionality: a pure finishing tool, made by Cudeman in Albacete, for those who will not settle for imitations at the decisive moment. Available at Navajeria with shipping across mainland Spain.
