Types of Daggers

1. Dagger Knife

A small knife with one or more blades that is held by the handle. The earliest daggers had to be held with the handle in one hand and the blade in another. Mainly used for stabbing someone in the back and possibly slicing through their exposed arteries. 

One of the main reasons for wearing a long sword rather than this was that it allowed the fighter to use two hands on an opponent's weapon. As there was no other way to hold the blade, a fighter's sword grip would either control the blade or prevent him from controlling it altogether. 

They were mainly used by fighters who relied on their agility and fighting skills rather than on strong arm and brute strength. Their use dates back to Bronze age Greece, where they were used as throwing weapons as well as slashing weapons. They were curved blades designed for throwing and stabbing. They eventually transitioned from being primarily a throwing weapon to being mainly a stabbing weapon.

2. Bodkin

A long, thin, metal spike that was attached to its end. It was used to punch holes in armored soldiers and puncture them. A small metal spike used to pierce the armor worn by armored fighters and cause puncture wounds. 

Bodkins were attached to the end of these medieval daggers, especially broadswords, for this purpose. The bodkin could also be used on their own as a weapon to puncture or pierce an opponent’s armor. They were also used by archers in order to poke holes in leather armor or animal hides so they could be easier cut open with a knife, which was usually carried around with them at all times. 

Bodkins had multiple uses and they did not have to be just weapons against enemies, but also tools that would help archers or hunters perform their jobs more efficiently.

3. Dirk 

A larger version of a push dagger that was originally used as an agricultural tool before becoming a weapon. Dirk blades were around 8 to 11 inches long and had hilts often made of ivory or silver. Some of these were decorated with etchings of a cross or a skull. 

Dirk was also the most common name for these weapons, with the term coming from Dutch "dighem" meaning "this one". These daggers have been used in various cultures and traditions, often referred to as dirks or dags in British English or cool knives in some Commonwealth countries. They also include such things as stabbing swords, stilettos and even spears. 

From farming tools to weapons that can be thrown at people, they are useful all over the world today as well. They are typically not made of steel but rather either bronze, copper or iron depending on the quality being sought after.

4. Poniard

Similar to a push dagger with variations in size, this weapon could be held in one hand or two depending on its design. Its blade could be anywhere from 6 to 15 inches long, with some blades reaching 22 inches in length. The poniard was a common sidearm in the 16th century and was used by the upper class. 

Originally, it was made of bone or ivory, but by the 17th century it had been given a more flexible form. This weapon came in various shapes and sizes, with some being made of steel and others being made from different hues of wood or ivory. 

It was completely unsuitable for combat because it lacked any real edge or strength for even cutting through leather armor or damask, unlike its longer cousins, the rapier. During most of its existence, the poniard saw two main forms: The slim push dagger and the slightly larger wide-bladed version.

5. Flamberge

This type was used as a nobleman's weapon and had a full, curved blade with a small hilt. The flamberge could weigh up to 3 pounds. It was among the most expensive of these tools, but it was a popular weapon for fighting. Some people used this with a back-strap to aid in carrying the weapon.

The blade has two edges: one convex, which is sharpened on both sides and performs better in slicing cuts and slashing attacks; the other one concave and blunted at both edges, which is mainly used to stab or thrust attacks. 

These are re-sharpened often, so they're always keen. The hilt is made out of gold or silver to keep it light weight so that it can be easily carried during battle by using only one hand.

6. Push Dagger

Push daggers are a type of dagger, used for close combat fighting. These typically have blades with a diamond cross-section, longer and narrower than the more common saber blades. This shape reduces the weapon's weight, without sacrificing cutting power. 

A push dagger also facilitates effective thrusting attacks with extended reach, while simultaneously improving defensive capabilities due to the long blade being less subject to guarding with an opponent's blade or other weapon. Their primary use is as an offensive weapon rather than as self defense weapons — they are designed specifically to penetrate chainmail armor by virtue of their narrow profile and acute point.

These tools may be found in various styles. One common style is with a hollow handle which forms the grip, allowing it to be used as a knuckle duster for hand-to-hand fighting. The blade may also be exposed on one or both sides of the grip.

Uses of Daggers

How to Grip a Dagger?