History Knife & Tool Sleeve Dagger 02HY003

The Sleeve Dagger (also referred to as the Bodkin or Nail Dagger) was a thrusting weapon crafted by the British secret service SOE (Special Operations Executive) during World War II, specifically for covert operations in civilian settings. This one-piece design, forged from a single piece of cylindrical steel and lacking a parrying element, was crafted for discretion, allowing it to be easily concealed and potentially overlooked or used as an escape tool if captured. There was no standardized production model for the sleeve dagger, as it was manufactured in small and very small batches by various producers. The initial batch is believed to have been crafted by a London jeweller skilled in making letter openers. All versions shared common features, such as the triangular ground blade and the straightforward nail-like construction. Handles varied from completely round to slightly rectangular. Some handles were entirely smooth, while others featured cross-cuts (checkering) or a few circumferential grooves. Typically, there was a circumferential recess near the knob-shaped end, allowing for a leather loop to be tied as a substitute for the absent cross-guard. The knob at the handle's end either matched the handle's diameter and cross-section or was slightly wider, resembling a mushroom. The sleeve daggers came with a leather sheath featuring two slits for a leather strap, enabling concealed carry under clothing on the forearm (hence the name sleeve) or on the leg, similar to a diving knife. The single long leather strap was wrapped around the arm or leg in a figure-of-eight pattern. The HKT Sleeve Dagger is crafted from historically accurate, plain carbon steel. The chosen material is the excellent bearing steel GCr15 with 1% carbon content. It boasts a dark acid wash finish, giving it an antique look. The blade's tip is sharpened on three sides and features a hollow groove on each side. The dagger includes checkering and four circumferential grooves to enhance grip. The protruding mushroom knob (16 mm in diameter, handle diameter 13 mm) is accented with a deep notch for the optional attachment of a leather sling. The HKT Sleeve Dagger comes with a brown leather sheath and a long leather strap with a pin buckle, staying true to the original design.