The push dagger – also called a push dirk or T-handle knife – puts the blade in line with your fist rather than your grip, so force travels straight down the forearm instead of through the fingers. It was the concealed knife of choice in nineteenth-century American gambling halls and remains one of the strongest small-blade designs ever made. Black Mamba grinds each push dagger from D2 tool steel hardened to 58 to 60 HRC, full tang through the T-handle, with scales in rose wood, stag antler, buffalo horn or hardwood, and a hand-stitched leather sheath shaped for horizontal belt or boot carry. Looking for a straight double-edged blade instead? See our Damascus daggers.
Why the T-handle matters. A conventional knife can twist or slip in the hand under load. A push dagger cannot – the handle sits across the palm, so the grip stays secure even with wet or gloved hands.
What is a push dagger used for? Historically self-defence and last-ditch carry. Today most owners buy them as collector pieces, though the shape is genuinely useful for piercing and detail cutting tasks.
Are push daggers legal? Rules vary by state and country – please check your local law before ordering.
How big are they? Typically 4 to 7 inches overall with 2 to 3.5 inch blades, single or double edged.
What is included? A fitted leather sheath and a certificate of authenticity.
