dagger

A dagger is a short, pointed knife designed primarily for thrusting. In most traditions its blade is double-edged, though many regional forms have a single sharpened edge as well. The defining feature is a pointed tip capable of penetrating flesh or armor when stabbing, in contrast with blades optimized for chopping or slashing. Daggers are typically sized to be carried in the hand or at the belt, and commonly include a crossguard, a hilt, and a pommel used for balance and sometimes as a striking surface.

Construction and design elements include blade, tang, and handle, with guards that range from simple quillons to more elaborate forms. Blades are usually straight or mildly curved and may feature a fuller, a central groove that reduces weight without sacrificing strength. Grips vary from plain wood or bone to intricate inlays; hilt designs can be plain or ornate, and the blade geometry reflects regional fighting styles and uses.

Historical variants include the rondel dagger of late medieval Europe, the pugio of ancient Rome, the jambiya of the Arabian Peninsula (typically curved and single-edged), the katar of India (a push dagger), and the dirk of Scotland (a long-backed dagger). These forms illustrate a range of purposes from personal defense to ceremonial symbolism.

In addition to combat, daggers have held ritual, ceremonial, and decorative roles in many cultures. Modern regulations in various jurisdictions often treat daggers as weapons, affecting possession, display, and carry. Archaeological and literary records show daggers as enduring tools and symbols from antiquity to the present.