The name comes from the Old French dague, a diminutive of the Latin word dagua, meaning "dagger" in reference to the shape of such a weapon. This is a weapon or piece of jewelry. It is also an architectural term for a roofed oversized projection from the wall of a building, which corbels and brackets may support.
This weapon usually projects over its entire length, employs arched or segmental voussoirs to carry the weight, and has both the ridge line and the eave line continuous with that of the wall. The design focuses lateral thrust outwardly in order to resist wind pressure acting on it.
The weapon is typically used for exterior building walls or roof surfaces. In some countries, such as the United States and Canada, the term "dagger" commonly refers to a garden tool with a fork-like blade on a long handle that is used for digging weeds or planting. However, in England, it can also refer to any metal implement with a bladed end, such as an ax used for felling trees.
Different Types of A Dagger:
These weapons are the most common type of knife with a single edge and long, straight handle, usually made from metal. They are distinguished from knives by their short blades and handles that may be grasped by one hand. They have been found dating back to Neolithic times in Europe, while they were first mentioned in ancient Egypt around 3100 BC during the reign of King Narmer. Here are some amazing types of a dagger:
1. Wrist Dagger:
These types have two counter-rotating handles, resembling a butterfly when closed. As such, it can be used to defend against an enemy while allowing a user to hold the weapon behind their back. In the Philippines, this type of dagger is commonly used by the elite and those who practice Escrima and Kali in general.
2. Poniard:
Poniards—which were carried by European knights throughout the Medieval period—were single-edged knives with one purpose: stabbing. They were typically made from a single piece of metal and were meant to be handled by one hand, although theoretically, they could be both wielded with the same hand. As such, they were difficult to use, especially in close-quarters combat, and most professional soldiers never carried them throughout the length of their careers.
3. Short Dagger:
These types are small weapons about 16 inches in overall length that are designed to be held in the dominant hand and used primarily for stabbing. They can be fixed into a sword hilt or sewn into a sheath or belt loop, but they may also be worn strapped horizontally across the forearm, doubled over the back, or tucked between the legs. These weapons are the close-range weapon that is primarily used to stab, cut and slash.
4. Trench:
These types have mostly been replaced by the combat knife, which is much easier to carry and use. They were also chambered for .45 ACP in WWI and .38 Super in WWII. These weapons were designed for trench warfare and consequently featured a bayonet attachment point at the front of the hilt, which could be fitted with a spike for penetration of enemy pillboxes or blockhouses. Alternatively, the rear end could be fitted with a bipod or grappling hook for launching into no man's land.
5. Hunting Dagger:
The hunting tool is a very large type with a broad blade, often featuring two or more blades that branch off from the main blade. The latter is used as a weapon and for skinning. Often these weapons have been decorated with engravings, jewels, or metal studs. Sometimes knives are classified into this group based merely on their size. However, those types of knives are larger than the dagger-type weapons that were used for combat purposes and should be classified as swords.
6. Stiletto Dagger:
These types are skinny, long, and pointed knives, used in the Renaissance era. They usually have a flat, triangular, or diamond-shaped blade. Stilettos are often confused with switchblade knives because of their shape and the fact that most shorter stilettos were called switchblades in many countries.
7. Push Dagger:
The push dagger is a concealed type with a handle that has been made to look like some other common object—like a belt buckle, for example. The blade can be extended by pressing the release button or lever on its handle after which it can be used as a regular knife.
Read also: Cool Types of Daggers And Their Unique Uses
Typical Uses and Applications Include:
These are used in combat as stabbing or slashing weapons and hunting tools. A dagger is also used as a tool resembling a short sword, but with one cutting edge (as opposed to two like the medieval sword). They are typically made from organic materials, such as bone or wood. Examples of daggers include the Turkish kilij, the Iranian sayf, and the European falchion.
In Europe during the Middle Ages, combatants often used their daggers in conjunction with a shield or two swords to provide combined offensive and defensive capabilities. These weapons have since been primarily associated with covert operations due to their effectiveness versus unarmored targets.
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