When it comes to the world of knives, there are a lot of styles, options, designs, applications, etc. The lists seem to go on and on.
Mixed in with all of the various styles and options are the often forgotten and barely mentioned push daggers. If you are wondering what a push dagger is, you’re in the right spot.
A push dagger is a small, stabbing weapon that is designed to be pushed, not swung. It has a long, thin blade and a small, curved handle that allows it to be pushed forward with ease. Because of its small size and easy handling, the push dagger is ideal for close-quarters combat and self-defense.
History of push daggers
The weapon is believed to have originated in India where it was used by the Rajputs and then spread to the Middle East and then Europe.
The English term “push dagger” may have been derived from the French “poignard-pousser” which means “to thrust with a dagger.”
The weapon is thought to have been developed as a small, easily concealable dagger that could be pushed or “thrust” into an opponent.
The push dagger became popular among street thugs and criminals in the early 1800s and was often used in close-quarters combat.
The blade was typically short and sturdy with a sharp point and a simple crossguard to protect the user’s hand.
The push dagger began to fall out of favor by the late 1800s as new, more advanced weapons began to emerge.
The push dagger was eventually banned in the UK in the early 1900s, but the weapon is still popular in other parts of the world.
The weapon is still used today by “some” law enforcement and military personnel as a backup weapon, although modern knife designs have mostly replaced them.
What is the purpose of a push dagger?
The purpose of a push dagger is to provide a small, easily concealable weapon that can be used for both self-defense and close-quarters combat.
The dagger’s blade is short enough that it can be easily concealed in a pocket or tucked into a belt, and the design of the handle allows the user to grip it with their palm and use their fingers to provide additional leverage and stabbing power.
The dagger can also be easily wielded in one hand, allowing the user to use their other hand to defend themselves or to attack their opponent.
How effective is a push dagger?
Push daggers are not as effective as a full-sized knife, but can be used to inflict serious damage.
The push dagger can be useful for self-defense, as it can be easily accessed and can be used to quickly disable an attacker.
Push daggers are designed to be pushed through an opponent’s clothing and into their body. It is not a primary weapon and should not be treated as such.
FAQs
What is the difference between a push dagger and a regular dagger?
A regular dagger is designed to be thrust into an opponent, while a push dagger is designed to be used as a last-resort weapon for close-quarters defense.
The blade of a push dagger is generally shorter and wider than that of a regular dagger, and the handle is thicker and longer to provide more leverage for pushing.
How do I use a push dagger?
To use a push dagger, hold it in your dominant hand with the blade pointing forward. Grip the handle with your palm facing down and use your fingers to control the blade. When you are ready to attack, thrust the blade forward and into your opponent.
What are the benefits of owning a push dagger?
There are several benefits to owning a push dagger. They are small and lightweight, making them easy to conceal and carry. They also have a sharp blade that can be used for self-defense or as a utility tool.
What are the disadvantages of a push dagger?
The disadvantages of a push dagger are that it is not as versatile as other knives, and it can be difficult to use for some people.
Best push daggers
There is no definitive answer to this question as different people have different opinions on what makes the “best” push dagger.
However, some popular contenders for the best push dagger might include knives such as the Cold Steel Urban Edge, the TOPS Knives Grim Ripper, and the CRKT Tecpatl.
Cold Steel Urban Edge
The Cold Steel Urban Edge is a great “budget” option coming in at less than $40 at the time of this writing.
It’s lightweight, as a great grip, and can be worn as a neck knife if you wish.
Out of the box it’s super sharp when compared to a lot of other over the counter options.
One downside is that it does not come with a belt clip which can be a turnoff for some folks.
TOPS Knives Grim Ripper
The Grim Ripper is a robust, heavy-duty option when you want something with a little beef to it.
This blade comes with a kydex sheath featuring a rotating spring steel clip.
This clip allows you to wear it on a belt, strip of Molle/Pals webbing, or anything of the like.
It’s almost 11 oz. with the sheath, so that is something to take into consideration.
CRKT Tecpatl
If you can find one, the Tecpatl is another solid option.
This blade only weighs 6.4 oz. with the sheath which means it is light enough to open up a lot of carry options.
The sheath is made of Boltaron and includes a spring loaded MOLLE compatible gear clip.
Closing thoughts
As we mentioned above, a push dagger is a small, easily concealable knife that is designed for stabbing instead of slashing.
They are often used as a self-defense weapon and can be carried in a pocket, ankle holster, or concealed in a clothing item.
There are a number of different push daggers on the market, and each has its own unique features.
When choosing a push dagger, there are a few things to consider, including the size and weight of the knife, the type of blade, and the materials used in the construction.
The best push daggers are those that are small and lightweight so they can be easily carried and concealed.
The blade should be sharp and durable so that it can easily puncture various mediums.
The handle should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip.
Once you find an option including all these features I’m sure you will have something you will be happy to invest in.
Stay safe, be dangerous!
Legal Disclaimer
The author is not a lawyer, and this article should not be taken as legal advice. The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Always know local, state, and federal law as it relates to what you are doing. Especially, when it comes to self-defense and use of force.