A dagger is a double-edged blade built to pierce rather than slice. The spine runs straight to a symmetrical point, the edges are ground on both sides, and the balance sits forward of the guard so the tip leads. That geometry is why the shape has survived from the Bronze Age to the modern collector case with almost no change.
Every dagger on this page is forged in our own Memphis, Tennessee workshop from layered 1095 and 15N20 Damascus, hammer-folded to 352 layers, oil quenched to 58 to 60 HRC and acid etched so the pattern reads down both edges. Handles are cut and fitted by hand from rose wood, buffalo horn, stag antler and stabilised hardwood, and each knife ships with a hand-stitched leather sheath and a certificate of authenticity.
Dagger or push dagger, which do I want? A straight dagger is held like any other knife and is usually 9 to 13 inches overall. A push dagger has a T-handle that sits across the palm so force travels down the forearm. If you want a display and collector piece, take the straight dagger. If you want the strongest small blade we make, take the push dagger.
Are daggers legal to own? Rules vary by state and country - please check your local law before ordering.
What sizes do you make? Our straight daggers run roughly 9 to 13 inches overall with 4 to 8 inch blades. Push daggers run 4 to 12.5 inches. Prefer a T-handle? See our push daggers.
Is Damascus the right steel for a dagger? Yes, provided the heat treatment is right. Our 1095 and 15N20 mix gives a hard, fine-grained edge that holds a point well. It is high carbon, not stainless, so wipe it dry and put a light film of mineral oil on the blade every few weeks.
What comes in the box? The dagger, a hand-stitched leather sheath, care instructions, free expedited US shipping and a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
Are daggers legal to own? Rules vary by state and country - please check your local law before ordering.
What sizes do you make? Our straight daggers run roughly 9 to 13 inches overall with 4 to 8 inch blades. Push daggers run 4 to 12.5 inches. Prefer a T-handle? See our push daggers.
Is Damascus the right steel for a dagger? Yes, provided the heat treatment is right. Our 1095 and 15N20 mix gives a hard, fine-grained edge that holds a point well. It is high carbon, not stainless, so wipe it dry and put a light film of mineral oil on the blade every few weeks.
What comes in the box? The dagger, a hand-stitched leather sheath, care instructions, free expedited US shipping and a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
Dagger sheaths are built differently
A double-edged blade cannot live in an ordinary knife sheath, because there is no spine to rest against the welt. Every dagger here ships with a hand-stitched leather sheath included, built with a welt down both edges and a wet-formed throat that grips the ricasso rather than the blade. Full-grain cowhide, waxed saddle stitch, belt loop, and a retention strap over the guard on the longer models.
If the dagger is going on a wall rather than a belt, ask for the display version: same leather, no belt loop, finished on both faces so it looks right hanging beside the blade.
Does the dagger come with a sheath? Yes. A hand-stitched leather sheath is included, welted down both edges because a double-edged blade will cut its way out of an ordinary one.
Is there a retention strap? On the longer daggers, yes, over the guard. Shorter models hold on friction fit alone.
Can I get a display sheath instead of a belt sheath? Yes, ask before shipping and we will finish it on both faces with no belt loop.
Are daggers legal to carry? Double-edged carry law varies by state and city, and several states restrict it outright. Check your local law before you carry one; we ship to all US states.
Dagger, dirk, stiletto or push dagger
All four get called daggers and only one of them is what most people picture. The difference is not decoration, it is what the blade is built to do, and it changes what is legal to carry where you live.
| Type | Edges | Blade | Built for | Carry note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic dagger | Double | 6 to 10 in, symmetrical | Display, collection, historical pieces | Double edge restricted in several states |
| Dirk | Double | 8 to 12 in, longer taper | Scottish and naval patterns, ceremonial | Length adds a second legal question |
| Stiletto | Needle point, minimal edge | 5 to 9 in, very narrow | Thrust only, historic Italian pattern | Narrow point draws the most scrutiny |
| Push dagger | Double | 2.5 to 4 in, T handle | Fist grip, compact carry | Specifically named in some state laws |
| Boot dagger | Double | 4 to 6 in | Concealed ankle carry | Concealment is usually the legal issue |
| Fantasy or display dagger | Often unsharpened | Any | Wall and cabinet | Fewest restrictions, ask if you want it blunt |
All of ours are hand-forged and full tang, with a hand-stitched leather sheath welted down both edges. Tell us at checkout if you want a display finish rather than a working edge.
What the second edge actually changes
A double edged blade is ground on both sides to a centre line, so there is no flat spine to put a thumb on. That costs you the control you would use for carving or skinning, and it buys a point that enters cleanly from either side and a blade that stays symmetrical if you resharpen it evenly for years. It also changes how the knife is carried, because there is no safe side to rest against the leather. Ours are full tang with the tang running the whole length of the handle, so the balance sits near the guard rather than out toward the tip. If you want a working outdoor knife instead, a single edge from the hunting knives will serve you better.
Ordering a custom dagger
Most of the daggers people ask us for are one offs. Pick the steel first, hand forged 1095 and 15N20 Damascus or D2 if you want less upkeep, then the blade length, then the handle and guard material. Stag, buffalo horn, ebony and stabilised burl all suit a dagger; paracord does not. Twenty characters of engraving can go on the ricasso or the sheath. Start at the custom order page and tell us what it is for, or look through the push daggers and the fixed blade knives first to see the shapes we already make.
A note on carry. Double edged blades are restricted in some states and cities. Check your own law before you order and read our guide on which knives are restricted in the US. Nothing here is legal advice.
