1. The Need for Regular Inspection
- Inspect every knife or dagger before each rehearsal and performance.
- Reinspect it after any drop, unusually hard contact, or other possible damage.
- A prop that was previously fight-worthy may no longer be so.
2. Blade
Check for:
- Bends, cracks, or other distortion
- Burrs, nicks, or newly sharpened areas along the edges
- Damage or deformation at the point
- Corrosion or deep pitting
- Movement where the blade enters the handle or guard
3. Handle and Fittings
Check for:
- A loose handle or grip
- A shifting guard
- A loose pommel or butt
- Cracked, split, or damaged handle material
- Sharp projections, exposed fasteners, or loosened decorative pieces
For folding knives, also check the pivot, lock, and blade movement.
4. Sheaths
- Make certain the sheath fits securely without gripping the blade too tightly.
- Check for exposed fasteners, damaged seams, or anything that may scratch the actor or catch on the costume.
- Confirm that the knife can be drawn and returned safely as required by the staging.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
- Remove moisture, fingerprints, dirt, stage blood, and other residues after use.
- Protect steel blades from rust with a light coating of oil when appropriate.
- Keep oil away from handles, costumes, and areas the actor must grasp.
- Tighten loose components only when the construction and correct method are understood.
- Do not disguise cracks or structural damage with cosmetic repairs.
6. Damage and Retirement
- Remove any questionable prop from use immediately.
- Do not continue using it merely because no replacement is available.
- Repairs affecting the blade, tang, handle, lock, or other structural components should be made by someone qualified.
- Retire any knife or dagger that cannot be restored confidently to fight-worthy condition.