Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle’s blood innocence dagger (stunt)

original movie prop weapon

This is the screen-matched sacrificial stunt dagger used by Renée O’Connor as Gabrielle in the episodes “The Deliverer” and “Gabrielle’s Hope.” This prop features a practical effects retractable tip mechanism and was used in fast-paced shots of Gabrielle stabbing the cultist Meridian so as to conceal the parting line at the center of the blade. The tip is a hollow metal blade that retracts into a metal and resin handle by applying counter-pressure against the internal spring-loaded mechanism. When the counter-pressure is removed, the tip of the dagger springs back into place. A paint blotch on the handle of the dagger allowed me to match this prop exactly to its on-screen appearance.