I am wanting to purchase my first dagger and would like some suggested honest dealers. I am looking for an SA or SS of collector quality.Most sites have their selections on hold or layaway. One site "Johnson Ref Books & Militaria has several blades but they all look dark. Is this just a patina or have the blades just not been cleaned yet? Thank you for any help. Chris.

My advice would be to read some articles written by Paul Hogle the owner of www.lakesidetrader.com Try the site and you will find most of the answers there.

Good hunting!

Mark

If you are going to spend money on an SS dagger, think about buying a reference book on the subject. Not cheap at $150, but it is the best available. I helped edit the book and some of my goodies are in there, so my advice is not totally impartial

http://www.wwiidaggers.com/REFTTW.htm

It is the book next to the bottom of the page. While it is aimed at SS, much of the general information applies to SA daggers as well.

Call (856)866-8733 between 10:30 and 3:30 weekdays

Dave

quote:

One site "Johnson Ref Books & Militaria has several blades but they all look dark. Is this just a patina or have the blades just not been cleaned yet?

Those are not photographs on Johnson's website. They are scans, and scans can make the blades seem dark. Trust Tom Johnson's written descriptions. Most consider him to be very conservative. Please consider not cleaning any dagger you get unless you know what you are doing, as you may damage it or diminish its value.

Thank you for the timely advice. Chris.