Dagger

The dagger has always been a valuable tool for man throughout time and its evolution. It is essential for repairing equipment, hunting, preparing shelter and defending oneself. Its size is generally smaller than that of a dagger, which makes it more efficient and easy to carry. If you are an aficionado of this weapon, here is a complete presentation of its history, use and maintenance.

The History of the Dagger

The term " dagger " comes from the Latin " pugnalis " itself coming from " pugnus " which means fist . If it can be defined today as a bladed weapon with a short blade, quite wide, sharp and tapered at the end, the dagger has not always been an instrument of combat . Its history goes back to prehistory. At the time, it was an essential utensil for the survival of the first men. They used it in extreme environments to cut and carve hunting and gathering tools. It was also the ideal instrument for tanning the skin of dead animals, finally to make clothes or shelters.

However, the technological evolution characterized by the discovery of metals and the improvement of flint cutting methods marks a turning point in the history of this tool. First forged in metal, it very quickly became essential for hunting before proving its effectiveness in combat following the first inter-human clashes at the end of prehistory. More than a simple kitchen utensil, the dagger has now transformed into a real lethal weapon. It has been perfected over time according to civilizational criteria, military combat methods and fashion effects. Like the dagger which it visually resembles, but in a smaller form, the dagger is composed of:

The tool also fits into a sheath to protect its wearer against possible accidental injuries .

The invention of firearms in the second half of the Middle Ages further accentuated the use of daggers, which evolved into a mixed form: the bayonet. This is a combination of a rifle and a combat knife that allowed soldiers to compensate for their vulnerability while their weapons were reloading. They could therefore continue the fight by using the pointed end of their rifle to reach the enemy nearby. If the use of the dagger did not become completely obsolete with the obsolescence of bayonets, the two great world conflicts allowed it to be rediscovered. Today, in the age of atoms and ultra-sophisticated weapons, the combat knife is far from having lost its usefulness . It still serves multiple purposes throughout the world and will probably remain for several centuries.

What are the uses of a dagger?

Due to their small size, daggers are very practical and can therefore be carried around in everyday life. In the army, they are used as throwing weapons or for close combat. But these utensils are not only suitable for military use. Civilians use them for various purposes. Especially for survival in nature and cooking.

Survival weapon in the wild

When camping, exploring in the woods or in the mountains, knives are used for cutting fabric, weeding passages in tight places, chopping wood, making fires and butchering meat. When it comes to the latter task, the effectiveness of knives varies according to the design of the blades .

Single blade

Strong and durable, this type of blade is ideal for heavy-duty work . It allows for faster cutting and slicing.

Trailing point blade

They have a larger slicing surface . Which makes them ideal for making long, even cuts.

Drop point blade

Made of M390 stainless steel with a high flat grind, this type of blade makes the daggers more effective for hunting. In addition, it makes simple jobs easier.

Kitchen utensil

In the kitchen, the dagger can be used to cut vegetables into sticks , brunoise, strips or even julienne strips. It is also used to chop herbs and meat.

Beyond hunting and food preparation , daggers are used by the most experienced in emergency situations, as a surgical instrument. In addition, they are very effective in finding glasses useful for fishing.

What are the different types of daggers?

There are a variety of daggers. Some of the most commonly used include: the stiletto, the throwing knife, the ball pick, the buck, the Bowie knife , and the gutting knife.

The stylus

The stiletto is the oldest dagger on this list. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages. At the time, it was a fearsome combat weapon whose triangular blade could inflict very deep wounds on an opponent so that he would never recover. According to several historians, this dagger was very effective against heavily armored knights, as it could pass through the pieces of their armor and go through the mesh of the rib.

Due to its discreet design, it was the jewel of choice for assassins . The stiletto allowed them to hit a target by surprise.

The throwing knife

Like the stiletto, this dagger was popular in the medieval era . It is designed to hit a target by the simple mechanical action of the muscles, at a considerable distance. Without adequate protection, any person could be hit by this knife. But, the target can also be an animal.

The Ball-Pickers

Also called prostitute's dagger, the ball-pickers appeared very recently , in the 19th century. They were mainly used to defend women of joy who were often subject to attacks. The dagger, equipped with a triangular blade in nickel-plated steel and a handle in horn or carved wood, can be easily hidden in a sheath attached to the belt.

The buck

The Buck is a contemporary pocket knife that is very famous throughout the world. It is very popular for hunting, beatings and butchering meat . It is available in a folding and fixed model. It is also the first knife to have been equipped with a locking system.

The Bowie Knife

Also known as the Arkansas Toothpick, the Bowie knife is one of the most iconic fixed-blade daggers of all time. While it closely resembles a sword, its size does not allow them to be categorized as weapons. However, the Bowie knife can be used as a butcher's dagger in profile, with a thin, rimless blade.

The Gutting Knife

This professional knife is ideal for bleeding and eviscerating animals. It is particularly designed to avoid accidentally piercing organs when cutting up an animal .

How to properly maintain a dagger?

A dagger can be kept in good condition for many years. However, this result is not always obtained, you have to maintain the knife well to see it last over time . To this end, you must first protect your utensil from humidity. Whether it is made of wood or horn, the handle wears out more quickly in contact with water.

The same goes for the non-stainless steel blade. Moreover, if your dagger is made from this material, note that it is essential to keep it away from a corrosive environment. After each use, clean your knife without delay. To do this, simply wipe the tear and the handle, and grease them with olive oil . You may also find oils on the market specifically designed for dagger maintenance. In addition to greasing, rub the blade of your dagger with a sponge soaked in white vinegar mixed with salt after each use.

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel blades, there are a few differences to note. First of all, note that this type of material is very easy to maintain, as it is designed to resist rust and corrosion . So, when the dagger gets dirty, simply rinse it with hot water and a mild liquid soap to make it clean again. Before putting it back in its sheath, however, wait until the utensil is completely dry.

Furthermore, it should be noted that, regardless of the material used, washing a dagger in a washing machine is not recommended. The rotation of the drum can damage the blade and at the same time the inside of the device. In addition, the detergent used for a machine is not necessarily mild. And can accelerate the corrosion of the knife .

Finally, don't forget that maintaining a dagger also includes regularly sharpening the edge. Without it, it will become dull and the utensil will no longer be truly useful. However, sharpening should not be done with just any material. If you don't have a natural stone, you could use a synthetic stone available in supermarkets or specialty stores. Once your blade is sharpened, remove the burr and any rough spots that remain on the edge. This is an abrasive solution to keep your dagger safe.

What are the different dagger materials?

A dagger can be made of several materials due to its design . The handle is generally made of wood , horn, metal or plastic. As for the tear, most of the time, manufacturers use carbon steel or stainless steel to make it. The handle of the utensil is dressed in silk or fur to make its use more ergonomic.