Needle-Point / Dagger Blades

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Advantages of the Dagger
  • Very thin and sharp point provides the ultimate in piercing soft targets
Disadvantages of the Dagger
  • Weak point that can break on hard targets
  • No cutting edge ("belly") for slicing

Dagger Blade Images

 

In contrast to the sheepsfoot blade, which lacks a point, a dagger (also known as a needle-point blade) is all about the point.

A dagger / needle-point blade is a double-edged blade whose primary purpose is piercing and stabbing. They are composed of 2 symmetrical sharpened blades that taper to a very thin sharp point, which pierces easily into soft targets. The two sharp edges reduce the profile of the knife and let it cut in on both sides equally. This makes them a favorite blade design for self-defense in close combat situations.

Needle-point blades are popular among military and police personnel because of their ability to be easily concealed (such as a boot knife) and easily withdrawn from their sheathes.

However, there are some disadvantages to the dagger blade design. Because the geometry of the blade lacks a "belly" and contains quickly-thickening edges, it is not good for slicing or slashing. Also, because the tip is very sharp and thin, it is weak has a tendency to break when used on hard targets.

For knife owners looking for a good balance between stabbing and cutting, a better choice is the clip point blade. However, if you're looking for the ultimate blade design for piercing, then the dagger is what you're looking for.