Replacing the starting dagger

It's always been my understanding that any model may carry 2 close combat weapons, 2 ranged weapons, and one free starting dagger. This is an important rule to understand because, for example, it allows a Swordsman to decide (prior to entering combat) whether to use a sword/shield or sword/dagger combination.

So my question is this: can the free starting dagger be replaced with a Gomril or Ithimar dagger?

The implications:

Gomril daggers are an excellent value. For only 8 Gold you're getting +1S which for a S3 model automatically cancels out the 6+ "dagger-save" an opponent would normally get. While Rare 11 makes it difficult to find (roughly an 8% chance), it's pretty common for a warband to have turns where it has rare rolls to spare. This would permit loadouts like 2-Handed Sword/sword/gomril dagger, which would give the model very versatile options in combat.

I'm assuming you mean that you are getting 'the equivalent of +1S'?

Mordheim Rule book, p. 27 wrote:

A gromril weapon has an extra -1 save modifier, and costs four times the price of a normal weapon of its kind. You may choose which type of hand-to-hand weapon is offered to you as explained in the Trading section.

Upgrading or replacing the free dagger is a common house rule.

Von Kurst wrote:

Upgrading or replacing the free dagger is a common house rule.

Yes, we have that as well, and it works mighty fine. I still think though, that in the case of Swordmen, a Sword is better still, but for most other, without a Sword re-roll parry house rule, the Gromril Dagger is a great asset, since it allows you to still carry two extra weapons. I'm already considering it on my Saurus now, thank you

In my group we allow the upgrading of the free dagger. Ithilmar/Gromril/Black Iron daggers/stilettos/poignards/roundels.

Count Ventilia's Meriscordia is particularly prized for this purpose.

Same here. But it is important to note that a gromril weapon does not give +1 Strength, but reduces the opponent's armor save. +1 Strength would do the same, but would also reduce the number you needed to wound a model you have hit.