What is a Stiletto Dagger and How were they Used?

What is a stiletto dagger, and how were they used?
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[@giacomobianchi5412]

Hey there, as an Italian native speaker i can guess that the word "stiletto" is the diminutive of "stilo", that is a generic word for a thin, metallic, pointy tool made to punch through material. Thanks for your stiletto overview!

[@sciverzero8197]

Just to add to this, many other languages have similar words for such a tool. Stylus, stylet, and even in english we describe something with that shape as being stiletted or having a stilet end. So most likely the term became synonymous with the dagger because of its function and shape, and the fact that many different peoples from around the world immediately understood what the word meant when seeing the 'stiletto' and thus called it the same. (noteworthy is that stilet and stiletted are medical or scientific terminology, and not really common.)

[@mnk9073]

Stilo also means simply "pen" doesn't it?

[@ObatongoSensei]

​@@mnk9073 Stilus in Latin, stile or stilo in Italian, was the word used for the tool used to write on clay or wax tablets. It had a sharp point on one end and a flat, broad fan-shaped rubbing tool on the other end, the latter used to "erase" the writing to reuse the tablet. When paper and ink became more common, that word ended up being used for the stick used to write, which had a metal head attached not that different from the one in a fountain pen, which in Italian is still called "penna stilografica".

[@MagPel1]

Very interresting! In swedish such a tool is called "Syl". Sounds like it could have the same origin.

[@gabrieletozzi2999]

​@@mnk9073 Actually, the generic word for pen Is "penna". stilo is a diminutive for "penna stilografica" , wich means fountain pen. Penna biro, on the other hand, means ball penn (wich you can also call 'penna a sfera). 😄 Greetings from Italy 🇮🇹

[@spamhonx56]

My first thought when you mention a gunner's stiletto with measurements on the blade is fuse lengths.

[@muninrob]

They would also be good for ramming / scraping carbon build up out of the match-hole.

[@jamesbridges7750]

And " pricking the bag" . As things were refined ,powder came pre-measured in thick muslin bags , the bag had to be pricked through the touch hole to introduce the powder/fuse/cap into the charge.

[@jamesbridges7750]

And " pricking the bag" . As things were refined ,powder came pre-measured in thick muslin bags , the bag had to be pricked through the touch hole to introduce the powder/fuse/cap into the charge.

[@zoiders]

They didn't have fuses like that. A cannon has a touch hole and you have the fuse. Its lit or its not. You present the fire to the cannon. The cannon has no fuse in it.

[@ziggarillo]

​@@zoiders in cartoons they always had long fuses

[@st0ox]

One big advantage of Bayonets and Stilettos, which is often overlooked is that with quadratic blades you don't cut yourself that easily while carrying it close to the body, but it's still very deadly as a stabbing tool.

[@bufordhighwater9872]

Firstly, there is no such thing as a "quadratic blade". A blade is a tool intended for cutting or the sharpened edge of tool. The stilettos and bayonets to which you're most likely referring had no blade to speak of. And it's not an overlooked advantage. That style of bayonet wouldn't have been carried as as a dagger in the first place, and literally no one has ever cut themselves because they were carrying a knife close to the body. And people accidentally stab themselves with pointy items all the time. Conversely, not having a sharpened blade is universally considered to be a huge disadvantage.

[@st0ox]

@@bufordhighwater9872 okay, I am not a native english speaker so I think my choice of wording was good enough, because you understood what I meant, but thank you for correcting that. In German we would still call it a "Klinge mit quadratischen Querschnitt" so I guess "Klinge" and Blade are not interchangeable. About the close to the body thing. Again my wording here was lacking. What I meant is that you can concile a Stilleto even further than shown in the video, by holding the "pointy end" upside down in the palm of your hand without cutting your hand or arm. A Bayonet with a quadratic cross-section can be carried without a sheath, but the real advantage is that you don't cut yourself while mounting it. If the Bayonet has a real handle, mounting is probably no problem, but some just didn't had a handle. Sorry I was not clear about that. The Stiletto has the concealing property working for it and in the case of the Bayonet you can quickly mount it without cutting yourself, so it's not really about the close to the body thing, but about handling the weapon in the chaos of a battle.

[@pollolocogrande]

Even in english, as far as it comes to handheld or mounted stabby implements in that context, its still called a blade. The lack of cutting edges does not change that, as even with a round cross-section, its still declared as such by law, design documents, museums, etc. And yes, you can simply tuck those things in a belt without a sheath and not cut it, your clothes or yourself. Just keep the tip in mind.

[@sEXPLO5]

clandestine operatives and other characters have been known to slip spikes in the seams of their clothing to deeply conceal these items without a sheath, no they did not stab themselves it works when done right and the confidence in it is shown by the fact that they sometimes did it in their fly

[@bufordhighwater9872]

@@st0ox Ich entschuldige mich für die pedantische Antwort. Ihr Englisch ist so gut, dass ich nicht wusste, dass es nicht Ihre Muttersprache ist. As far as carrying a weapon for stabbing or slashing, knife or razor or spike, I think I understand what you're getting at, but it still comes down to practicality. Someone wielding that type of weapon just isn't going to hold it by blade. It's awkward. It will take extra movement to readjust the the knife or spike so that it can be used. Yes, holding a spike by the pointy end doesn't have the risk of cutting a person, but that's why people don't hold a knife by its blade. They might hold it in reverse grip with the blade along their wrist. But even then, the you're just as likely to stab yourself on a spike as you are the knife because they're both pointy. As far as bayonets are concerned, as far as I know, all modern bayonets all have a handle. And at least in the US Armed Forces, you're taught to hold the bayonet by its handle when mounting it. But bayonets are rarely used in modern warfare. And the long spike style bayonets haven't been used since horse mounted cavalry became obsolete. It was more practical to switch to the knife style of bayonet because a knife is more useful than just a long, heavy piece of metal.

[@rcfokker1630]

I could imagine the 'gunners' dagger' being used to measure the length of fuses ... for timing of mortars and shells.

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

For spiking the guns to avoid capture

[@TheodoricFriede]

while I dont think you are incorrect, i do think its amusing to point out the irony of having a knife good for everything a gunner would need... except cutting fuses.

[@rcfokker1630]

@@TheodoricFriede That is an excellent observation.

[@dlpt2a]

Used to aim cannons. Stick it on the touch hole an use that measure to make the front sight attached to tthe top of the muzzle

[@edi9892]

AFAIK, the artillerist stiletto was used for the following: 1) If you capture guns, you can measure the calibre so that you can record your supply situation... 2) You can use it to free the fuse-channel in the cannon from dirt and debris 3) In a pinch, you can hammer it in the fuse channel and potentially break off the tip, which will render the cannon useless. 4) Obviously, you can shank someone. It may have been used for other purposes as well, such as punching a hole, prying, scratching, etc. After all, soldiers tend to abuse knives and magazines for all kinds of BS, such as opening bottles with feed lips, or a can with the tip of your knife.

[@RyanEglitis]

The triangular or even square shape can also be used as a primative drill, for point 2.

[@carloparisi9945]

Hi Matt, I think the Italian name stiletto comes from the stilo, a pointed writing device for wax tablets of the Roman age. The shape is pretty much the same, but the stiletto has a guard. The reason why I think it was popular, beside the fact that it's pretty and easy to conceal, is that being edgless, you could wear it concealed, draw it and not cut yourself in the process.

[@TheSageThrasher]

The English word "stylus" has a similar meaning & origin.

[@urzicatu]

In Romanian we have stilou ( fountain pen), and I believe the name just migrates from old to new writing implements

[@SuperMrHiggins]

Yeah, there are numerous instances of roman senators using them for stabbing each other during civil unrest and what not.

[@dominikdalek]

Random trivia: Polish word for dagger is "sztylet" which is an imported form of stiletto.

[@ErikHolten]

My Malagueño friend once explained to me that the traditional criminal elements of his ancient city preferred a certain technique for backstabbing, which could be used as a form for deterrence, or rather terror. He said that an assailant would slide up to his mark from behind in one of the many tight alleyways, wielding a very thin/narrow dagger. Walking really close to the victim's body, the quick, precise thrust would come from down low and upwards, piercing a kidney. Then the assassin would flee the scene while his victim would three days later suffer a horribly painful death in bed, surrounded by family and friends who might think twice about crossing the criminal organization having ordered the hit. My friend told me a specific, catchy term in his dialect for this phenomenon, but I have regrettably forgotten what it was. There was a knives sharpener/shop in the Centro Historico of Málaga, which has been there for generations, purportedly as a weapon supplier for past gang wars and self defence. I never saw any stilettos there, though.

[@alejovila8842]

Was the word maybe "Reyerta"?

[@chaimafaghet7343]

Seems like a poor idea, you'd think sooner or later anyone planning to annoy those people would start wearing a plate there and then just turn around and gut them.

[@PatrickKniesler]

​@@chaimafaghet7343that'd be a fun "what-if" for Tod to make. Maybe a vest with a lower-back patch of mail with plates in a reverse overlap with little angles at the top of each plate to catch points. Then see if you can hide it under a period garment.

[@pauliedi6573]

Turkish Revenge Same behavior applied to the buttocks without fatal intent so you would not be charged with attempted murder

[@Arthurian.]

​@@pauliedi6573imagine hitting the sciatic right there... youch

[@Sandshark17]

The notches were not used to measure powder, they already had premeasured cups or containers to fill that showed the right amount of powder, the notches were used to measure distance by holding it to the edge of a cannon and being able to adjust the angle of the shot based on the last shot made, some gunners were so talented they did not need to measure and they would tell less experienced gunners which number to adjust to just based on memory or damn good judgement. Many pirates and other frequent users of cannons would modify their own knives or daggers to have similar measurements.

[@stellavirgin4317]

Something to add to the final point made by Matt about being able to fashion a stiletto from a piece of metal and a hand file, is that a stiletto and a bog standard screwdriver are essentially the same thing, one of them even comes with a fancy rubber grip.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

Both are seriously deadly too!

[@kleinjahr]

Ice pick. Particularly in the 1920s and 30s.

[@davidbirr2718]

A book on the Battle of Midway mentioned members of a U.S. Marine battalion "borrowing" 14-inch screwdrivers from some PT boats stationed at Midway. The screwdrivers had been designed for maintenance work, but the book quoted an unidentified Marine as saying it was "good for the ribs, if you know what I mean."

[@saladiniv7968]

this is why in switzerland, while in general we have a pretty relaxed weapons law, you need to have a well justified reason for carrying a screwdriver with you.

[@pearceelliott7855]

and in prisons / jails, even a plastic toothbrush can be sharpened and turned into a pointy spike, although not made out of metal.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Your idea about gripping over the guard makes a lot of sense to me. It would be much easier to extract the blade from a target like that.

[@chuckmikey001]

A prime minister in japan just got assassinated with a specialized tanto that was used with that grip method just recently only in a reversed grip and the offhand on the blade. (edit: wait, im thinking of the 1960 assassination of the then prime minister inejiro asanuma) they caught that on camera as it happened.

[@hadronoftheseus8829]

I frankly can't see any other reason for a dagger like that to even have a guard. You're certainly not going to parry anything with it.

[@manfredconnor3194]

@@chuckmikey001 Yeah, their last assassination was with a shotgun, I think.

[@righthandoftyr947]

@@manfredconnor3194 It was an improvised firearm, more or less a blackpowder pistol made out of stuff from a hardware store, with an electric spark-gap based firing mechanism. Brandon Herrera did a video on it, but YT nuked it.

[@danielbeck9191]

@@manfredconnor3194 Yes, in 2022, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot in the chest at close range using a homemade firearm while giving an address to the public. He bled to death despite heroic attempts at resuscitation.

[@bryanferguson4927]

Your channel is far, far too addictive and should have a WARNING. I've watch it all day. As an old escrima practitioner, I can't look away. Brilliant, brilliant stuff.

[@maxlutz3674]

That is an interesting video. Funnily in Bavaria the term "Stilett" is still used for a hunting knife that was used for severing the spinal chord near the skull to finish off small game animals. This knife is single edged and has a general purpose blade. It still is kind of popular. On the topic of gunner´s stillettoes I read that it was used to spike the touchhole of the cannon to render it unuseable. Use for cleaning might still be a option.

[@brittakriep2938]

This is known in Germany/Austria as Nicker.

[@ingorichter649]

I have the "Venedic stiletto" with three edges and a nice wooden grip. Mine is crafted by Windlass, India and is really sharp like a wood carving tool. The steel is good and hard, but due to keep the decorative collectable appearance I do not use it as a tool, but it is highly suitable to do this. A very nice knive, I like it very much.

[@brianvannorman1465]

I believe I have one of those. I use it as a paper weight in my personal office

[@mallardtheduck406]

I had the same one with the spiral walnut grip, a gorgeous piece. It was reproduced from an actual Venetian example.

[@Shinzon23]

​@brianvannorman1465 a paperweight that can still be thrown into a attackers vitals, hopefully...?

[@SlimRhyno]

I really appreciate your practical views on usage and application. There are just so many things I would have never thought about, and it's one of the many reasons I consistently enjoy your channel!

[@UH1Phil]

Do remember that hands were smaller back in the day, as people were shorter generally (average 170cm tall). So "historical" hands might fit perfectly around the hilt/grip. Great review as always too!

[@howardmaryon]

Good point! I have small hands and many knives are way too “fat” in my hand.

[@Love1isall]

Muwahah those puny humans of history

[@GadreelAdvocat]

I sometimes keep with me a pocket folding stiletto. On board a ship or in the field a stiletto might be used as a multi tool. Used to help open knots as the sides aren't sharo and to poke holes in leather for sewing and a range of other uses if thats all you have. It's probably another reason why it was so popular with civilians.

[@bell6446]

Long ago when I trained with an Italian foil, we definitely wrapped our fingers around the cross guard as standard operating procedure. This and the wrist strap made for a very solid grip and made it very difficult to disarm a fencer using this hilt design.

[@ericvanvlandren8987]

LOVE this video! Thanks Matt!

[@lutzderlurch7877]

The gunners stilettos scales seem to be primarily for measuring the caliber of guns: hold it across the muzzle and it will tell you the size of the gun

[@texasbeast239]

From the Lat. *_stilus_* for a pointed writing instrument. Ita. *_stilo_* for pointy stabby tool (probably akin to the Fairbairn-Sykes commando type dagger). Ita. *_stiletto_* diminutive form of above for a smaller, more slender dagger. BTW: We do indeed have that firearm and blade liberty you mentioned, now.

[@j.o.4574]

This show is the gift that keeps on giving. Had to get the dropped forged cold steel dagger out while listening to it.

[@BobHutton]

I usually have no reaction to the various weapons you wave around on this channel, other than interest and curiosity, but there's something about this particular weapon that gives me the shivers.

[@jimreed6875]

When I was a kid, back around 1960, I sometimes saw advertisements in magazines for "Stiletto" knives. They were Italian automatics with long, thin blades. My friends and I thought they were really cool.

[@sawyere2496]

That’s what I think of when I hear stiletto. Like from the gangster movies.

[@jamesbridges7750]

Another grip you almost touched on is thumb on the flat, but palm supported. Gives a lot of reach in an almost pistol grip way. Occasionally you'll see thumb jimping,engraving,or a simple divot/ flat on the blade ,like the V42 dagger.

[@VikingTeddy]

That's obviously a greatsword, look at the proportions! (Just not for humans.)

[@washingtoncommandcenter5541]

This is awesome, literally 2 days ago, I finally got to watch your Knights Templar video from 2 months ago, & I went down a rabbit hole when you mention "Misericorde" and in my search online The Skyrim Misericorde popped up, which is actually a lot closer to, & in fact lead me to 17th Century Italian Stilettos very close to what you have there. It almost feels like a video made exactly for me lol

[@frobro7]

I'm glad you did a video about this, I've been wondering about stilettos for a long time now. I agree, my stiletto feels very awkward to hold in an icepick grip it feels much better to hold in the way you showcased.

[@marcelomariano3586]

Fantastic reasoning, Mat ! I am a fan of the florentine Stilleto. The ones I use and still use, have sharp blades, not being only a thrusting blade. A very thin dagger. A dangerous, rapid and eficient piece of steel !!!!!

[@yuriydiakunchak2400]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😮

[@zoukatron]

I do have an antique gunner's stiletto. It is pretty damn cool. It does feel very dainty in the hand. Impressively, it still has its fabric grip covering.

[@Aikidoka6666]

Very good, very impressive summary of this class of 'daggers'!!

[@starchitin]

I was so excited when I saw the thumbnail for this vid since I have a stilletto very similar to that in my vanishingly small collection.

[@johncothren8861]

Personal body armor was discretely worn to protect the vital bits during this time period as well. The stiletto was designed to pierce through this armor. Romeo and Juliet was set in this time era

[@brucemagee3199]

Hi Matt. I totally agree with your idea about how to grip over the guard. I have a Todd Cutler stelleto and absolutely love. Thanks for the great info it

[@samsham8218]

Fantastic video. BEAUTIFUL piece too.

[@thegreenman7]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@richardconnor2871]

As a blacksmith who doesn't much enjoy making knives.. I think I'm going to make one of these this weekend. Looks like a comparatively fun project! :D

[@philparkinson462]

I've seen a couple of these where the blade is two parted to work almost like a caliper, not unlike later Victorian 'scissor daggers'. Many years ago I owned what may have been a precursor to this, a bodkin dagger with sheath. It's my understanding it was carried as a decorative item that had a secondary purpose.

[@1nePercentJuice]

Excellent info, thanks! You kept that little blade in frame for nearly 20 mins. Well done.

[@alexanderdoerr5570]

History is badass! Great content brother!

[@alonesrallah]

beautiful piece

[@skreelthebarbarian]

The stiletto example used in this video is particularly gorgeous. Would love to know where to get it if its not an antique. I've seen multiple examples of 17th century italian and spanish ones, but this is one of the better looking ones I've seen.

[@zanemob1429]

One of these makes an appearance in Elden Ring under the name “Misercorde”. I love how those games take historical weapons… It never gets old.

[@TheTrogolizer]

Except the misericorde is like 2x too big. It's more like a shortsword in the shape of a stiletto.

[@dommorris8163]

​@@TheTrogolizerto be fair daggers in most games are often oversized for style/visibility purposes. The misericorde is based on a type of knife that was used to put mortally wounded knights out of their misery. It was thin and pointy so they could poke it through gaps in armour. Also "miséricorde" is the French word for "mercy"

[@evanfishsticks8010]

@@TheTrogolizer Almost everything in Elden Ring is oversized

[@TheTrogolizer]

@@evanfishsticks8010 Except for the Zweihander, it is a thing of beauty. Except, it's more of a Paradeschwert and still weighs far too much in-game. Don't even get me started on the moveset.

[@awestehnbell9729]

fantastic video, thank you!

[@robb4044]

Good video. Very informative.

[@blamokapow137]

I have always found the stiletto fascinating.

[@bunnieseatliverspots]

Great video, Matt. My ears perked up when you mentioned this was a preferred weapon of assassins. The assassin is such a popular figure in contemporary popular culture, which has me wondering - what were actual assassins like in the medieval and Renaissance periods? Was it a formal profession - like mercenaries or soldiers of fortune - or was it more of an informal, back-alley affair? Or both? What sort of weapons and techniques would be used by medieval and Renaissance assassins? Are there any famous assassination attempts from those periods?

[@painmt651]

Both… there are always unskilled, but willing people who are disposable… and the professionals

[@Love1isall]

There never was a formal assassin class in Europe. The word stems from the word Hashassin. These were professional hash smokers who were sent out to assassinate political rivals etc.

[@eldraque4556]

you learn something new everry day, thank you

[@ianrosie4431]

Nonchalantly producing a Fairbairn-Sykes as a comparison got my vote. Excellent vid.

[@thomaslambert5317]

I have a reproduction stiletto from an original piece. The grip is tiny. Just over 3 inches. I’ve found holding it in a pinch grip between thumb and pointer finger which incidentally is how I’ve seen a British Commando from WWII describe as how they held their fairbairn-sykes daggers.

[@carlossssssss5492]

Yooo, it's the Misericode from Elden Ring

[@MarcusHelius]

I've always wanted to make one of these ever since I tried my hand at a bit of metal forging, they are so elegant.

[@Ludwig1954]

I was told by an armour historian many years ago, that the Stiletto as shown was designed as a sort of "Can Opener". Meant to finish off an armoured adversary by sliding the thin and triangular spike between two armour plates. The triangular shape of the blade - sharpened on all three edges at the point was designed to penetrate the leather joints of the armour plates, the leather under-vest and possibly even chain mail. You can still find the triangular point on leather and canvas sewing needles today. The thin blade also proved effective to slip through lighter armour, i.e. armour scales, either overlapping or just fixed onto a leather vest.

[@UnbeltedSundew]

Wow that's actually the first time I've seen one in context of size. I thought they were actually fairly larger than that, with the handle being enough to comfortably cross the palm and have a bit sticking out.

[@DemonicAkumi]

I'm so ill informed that when I think "Stiletto" I'm thinking of high heels. And seeing how the back of those heels are... I can see the resemblance with that dagger.

[@Trav_Can]

10:56 This is exactly how I pictured it being used. I love that locked in grip on certain weapons. I feel it my dirk from Tod's Workshop, and I feel in my tulwars. There's a feeling of security when you hold them that I enjoy.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I'd always assumed that the name came from "little pen" as in a quill-pen which, contrary to their portrayal in film and TV, often had all the feather removed, leaving just the shaft of the quill. I've no idea where I got that from though. Apparently that was completely wrong, and it's just the diminutive form of the word for needle.

[@rcfokker1630]

From 'stylus', I would think.

[@johncothren8861]

You're not wrong. My understanding from my Italian experience, stilo is a pen or pointy.

[@stormiewutzke4190]

I could see something like that being good for cleaning touch holes. It would do a good job of reaming especially since it has parallel edges. So long as you don't have static sparks there would be a problem sticking in gun powder.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

They seem like they would also be good for measuring fuses if you have good quality fuse and are trying to time things.

[@jamesm.3307]

I used to recommend the stiletto as a wedding present when at the Renaissance Faire with the following comment: "A cross to pray for a heart that's true (holding it by the blade), and if it's not, a blade to run it through (holding it by the handle)." We were told it was used to pierce chain mail. A cross guard is useful because you can hold one end in the groove between the thumb and index finger, this allows you to spin the blade up behind your palm and lower arm, and then grab the handle with your hand to bring it out of its hiding place.

[@ariochiv]

As you introduced it I wondered how in the world anyone could hold such a dainty thing well enough to actually do anything dangerous with it (the size and shape is actually very much like a decorative letter opener that I own), but I think you've nailed it with the enveloped-in-the-hand grip.

[@deadhorse1391]

I have always heard the calibrations on the Gunners daggers were used to measure cannons bore and their ammunition

[@tornagawn]

Fascinating stuff. Double edged dagger blades are amongst the banned blades in NZ…… I would dearly love a Fairbairn Sykes replica for its historical significance. (That said, I do have some potentially‘illegal in NZ’ knives, such as the dainty Fallkniven G1 double edge blade dagger! (And a balisong, button on handle flicknife, gravity knife and others)

[@nunoafonso9378]

Say something is illegal in your country and then claim you have several is a smart 200 IQ kind of thing ... Maybe delete your post before you get into trouble is the really smart thing to do.

[@studentjohn]

Fascinating - I know little on this subject, but a quote that has stuck with me was someone examining a smallsword and declaring 'it's not a weapon, it's a tool for murder'. I have always assumed he was referring to most smallswords being little more than a thin spike 2 or 3 feet long, of little military use but easily concealed and convenient for quickly drawing and stabbing into someone unsuspecting. He could also have been talking about the stiletto by the sounds of it.

[@patrickrose1221]

Cracking factual unbiased vlog . What a refreshing change ! Lol

[@andreweden9405]

I've always loved those stiletto daggers! I'll be interested to hear if you're going to talk about the modern usage of the word, and how it's now also applied to certain switchblade knives.😁 Edit: Heck, there are still laws on the books against Bowie knives to THIS DAY in certain parts of the Deep South such as Louisiana and Texas! If not still on the books, they at least were on the books up into the present century. There were flipping American Members of Congress attacking each other with Bowie knives during the heyday of its usage!

[@DH-xw6jp]

Texas got rid of their laws regulating daggers, dirks bowies, switchblade, stillettos, etc a few years ago. Shortly after Oklahoma did the same. (Oklahoma has no restrictions on _any_ bladed weapon or tool anymore)

[@mcswato1]

The Arkansas press will describe glowingly in detail the origins of the Bowie, but tend to completely gloss over the use of that weapon by Arkansas legislators in session.

[@robo5013]

In VA a stiletto is defined as being a switch blade. Just last year the General Assembly made it legal to possess them, though it is still illegal to conceal carry them. A bowie knife is defined as a large hunting knife adapted specifically for fighting having a blade 10" - 15" long. A dirk is defined as a long straight bladed dagger or short sword. In all these definitions there is also a caveat that states "or of a like kind," which means that prosecutors can, and often do, define a knife that is not specifically one of these as being so. In the end, however, it is only illegal to carry these knives concealed, which also includes inside bags, backpacks or even attached to your car door (a man was convicted of concealed carry because he had a knife with the sheath riveted to his door frame and since it was not readily visible it was considered concealed.) Even if the top part of the knife is visible outside of your pocket it can still be considered concealed, especially if your shirt, jacket or even a carried bag can easily cover it. A folding knife with a 3' or less blade (not an auto opener like a switch blade) can be legally carried concealed. All other bladed weapons can be carried openly. Unless you brandish them at people with the intent to intimidate and a blade length of over 12" carries a heavier penalty. I've openly carried swords as part of a halloween costume while taking my son trick or treating at a mall and the police there didn't bat an eye. And yes, it was obvious that they were real swords and not toys.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

I think you're right about the grip, tbh. Makes sense ergonomically. And effective. Repeated deep penetration stabs into the torso are pretty fatal, even today.

[@batonnikus]

Yeah, when I was playing with my 17th century stiletto reproduction I came to the very same conclusion, placing finger above the guard felt very comfy and gave vicious angle to stab the gut and pierce the lung. It also makes pulling a lot safer and stronger so you can make multiple stabs very fast if need be.

[@hughgrection3052]

@Sebastian K Yeah. People seem to forget also just how much blood can get onto them, and the weapons during hand to hand combat. While stilletos typically cause internal bleeds, I'm certain that in some cases arteries was stabbed or torn open. Then good luck holding onto a tiny little handle like that.

[@batonnikus]

@@hughgrection3052 yea, long hair, clothing, belt maybe. And this weapon, to be effective, you have to pull out.

[@royalecrafts6252]

​@@hughgrection3052I have a custom made stiletto with a very good grip design to prevent that slippery scenario, but is hardly a dueling weapon, is just made to stab once or twice and run or kite while the other person bleeds or have organ failure

[@robertschulke1596]

I inherited a WWII vintage square-section 4 edged stilletto with a 5" blade and a child-sized 3" bakelite handle. It has a Henckels Twins logo on it.

[@1337blackone]

really enjoyed your thoughts on gripping the cross

[@simonlatimer8449]

Hi Matt, as a Japanese martial artist I can see this being used in a similar way to the okinawan Sai. That the blade is held along the forearm in concealment but then flicked into place to deliver a definitive blow, though the placement of the the thumb would need to be out of range of counterstrike, as obviously even the slightest injury can change the individuals mind, and then change the circumstances

[@anon2427]

Not gonna block anything with one of these

[@johnyshadow]

@@anon2427 What about another stiletto? If they were that popular, they would have been used against each other, no?

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I think your theory for holding it with your finger over the cross is logical especially since for a small stabbing dagger you really don't need a guard for protection and many stilettos have very tiny guards which would make good anchoring points but do nothing otherwise.

[@scottmiller2591]

The knurled section found on many stilettos speaks to using the grip you describe. Also, with a gloved hand or a handkerchief wrapped around the knurls and hilt becomes much more comfortable, a better grip, and less inclined to bruising the user.

[@robertanderson2370]

Great video, Matt. I find your argument about grips convincing as the short grip has always baffled me in terms of usage, concealment was an obvious benefit. I wonder if any period depictions show or suggest this kind of grip that might further your idea.

[@matwetton]

I own tods replica and my instinctive way to hold it was index over the guard so anecdotally I think your holding theories have merit

[@zednotzee7]

I have one of those too, and that's how I hold it. As you say, it's sort of instinctive.

[@wartoga4248]

Great content, as usual. People were smaller and stilettos may also have been designed as lady's defense weapons. So, smaller hands may have influenced the size of the hilt as well.

[@CaeridLock.]

My man this thing is meant to assassin style strike you in vitals and bounce out like its nobodys business....damn, well I think it is actually Nothing should scare us meat balloons as much as being so easily popped

[@TheDeadbone1961]

I'd agree. Light, agile, and easy to hide, a stiletto like the one shown might help even the odds against a male attacker.

[@AngryPainting]

So wholesome to be able to touch the hearts of men with such ease

[@beefsupreme3663]

Your theory about the modified grip on the stiletto is spot on. I have a massive Bowie knife with an S shaped guard that I grip the same way. Solid

[@angryroosteranimations5194]

I live in Tennessee. They changed our knife carry laws by getting rid of the maximum legal length, and removed automatic knives and "Gravity folders" (balisongs). However the law still prohibits carrying "ice picks, daggers, and dirks" So it is not legal to carry any spike or double edged knife. The funny thing is that you can carry a dagger type blade as long as only one edge is sharpened. Our law doesn't prohibit owning them, they just aren't legal to carry.

[@urkabob3497]

As you know, Julius Caesar was stabbed to death with styluses. The weapon is weak, so there were a lot of blows. Weapons could not be brought into the Senate, but the metal stylus did not arouse suspicion. So the history of the stylet is much older.

[@brittakriep2938]

Caesar was assasinated by uperclass men, i think they used regular daggers ( pugio?) , not Stylus to write in wax covered Notebooks.

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

​@@brittakriep2938 yeah ceasar was definitely killed with daggers.. Tgere was a coin strucj not long after witg a pugio on it to commemorate the killing. The accounts say daggers were used as well. Could you point out where anyone mentions metal stylus were used?

[@urkabob3497]

Maybe there was one dagger, because only one blow was fatal. But the modern film myth of his assassination came about with Jean-Léon Gérôme's The Death of Caesar. There were 23 hits from the senators. Let me remind you that all senators are former military (cursus honorum etc) and knew how to use weapons. It is doubtful that they would not have been able to hit with daggers from the fifth or tenth time. After that, Caesar still moved and spoke. Judging by the circumstances, they surrounded him and pricked him with styluses. Like in the famous San Quentin prison, where criminals like to use sharpened toothbrushes.

[@heimdalshorn]

...Caesar was assasinated with daggers, there is no historical question. But it is reported, that he tryed to defend himself with his stylus and managed to wound some of his attaccers with it....

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

@@urkabob3497 everyone is saying it was daggers.. Including the romans 🤣

[@crowncontrol3637]

i love weapons, i like your channel man

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

I tbink youre right about the 'cross guard' actually being part of the handle, it makes more sense and looks far more comfortable

[@MrLeafeater]

This is the only fancy weapon I own. I searched for decades for a proper stiletto.

[@laserfork7840]

Where did you end up getting yours?

[@MrLeafeater]

@@laserfork7840 I found one very similar to the one in the video, at a tiny antique store in the middle of Nowhere, NY. Mine is slightly larger, and I wrapped the original handle in leather.

[@okname5335]

looks like it has 130 crit modifier

[@joelhollingsworth2374]

I think the thing gunners most often needed to measure accurately might have been slow fuse, especially if they're trying to get a bomb to burst above a battlefield to throw shrapnel optimally.

[@johntearle6357]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@SandwichConsumer]

Oh god that crit damage

[@seriousmaran9414]

A screwdriver, used to dtab, is effectively a stiletto. So would be a long awl. Just sharpen the end of any piece of thin metal bar and you have one. There are other uses for sharpened metal bars too, so could be legal in Britain, until you actually use it as a weapon.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Well, legal for now... Parliament will eventually get bored enough to ban a clenched fist and harsh language.

[@rikospostmodernlife]

I own a 7mm woodworking chisel and the thing is terrifying

[@seriousmaran9414]

@MonkeyJedi99 that would be threatening behaviour. Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. And people have been arrested for breaking it. That law really is a stinking PoS but it is there.

[@leemcgann6470]

More information on these styles would be great!

[@krxwnvxk3432]

I'd love to own a dagger like this. looks so elegant.

[@JohnDoe-vb1pl]

deepwoken knife

[@artosilian9463]

deepwoken

[@fetidcreeper]

Think your idea on the grip is pretty spot on, as it would conceal, but aid in helping you find gaps in protection against armor as well. Keeping in mind, also, the grip where you mainly use your thumb and forefinger is the fairbairn fighting style, which came about in the 40s- with possible influence from his time in china during the warlord era.

[@marcuscorder]

I like the ones for artillerymen, with scale numbers on the blade.. Could be used to punch holes in powder bags, inside the breech of a cannon, for the touch-hole.

[@Wolf-Wolfman]

Only a real heel would use a stiletto

[@beepboop204]

huehuehue

[@peterpedersen7876]

The gunner's stiletto :how about measuring a fuses? -to make a battery fire a simultaneous volley...

[@g49385]

The positive grip on the cross piece make sense as one of the most important parts of stiletto use was to stir the blade inside the opponent before extracting the blade

[@markrunnalls7215]

Very interesting and your take on these things is very plausible.. Excellent story.. Could you cover the Scottish Ski en do.. Not sure if that's how it's spelt.. 👍👍😊😊

[@jonjames7328]

“Cloak and dagger” and now we see just how well those things can work together.

[@danielbeck9191]

HOWDY! Great video! The first grip you demonstrated ("thumb-on-the ricasso") would be excellent for a silent killing thrust into a sentry, from behind. Picture a V-42 Stiletto. Approach the sentry from behind, place your left hand over sentry's mouth and pull head and upper torso back onto your blade. Your thumb will be on TOP of the blade. Blade (horizontal orientation) enters middle or lower back. Sweep the TIP of blade horizontally (left-right-left...) by flexing and extending your right wrist, rather like using a letter opener. One entrance wound, but the sweeps will cut/slash the diaphragm, aorta, kidneys, renal arteries, mesenteric arteries, etc., depending on skeletal level of the wound. Massive blood loss with rapid loss of consciousness. Sentry out. In close quarters combat, a short stabbing knife is ideal. Picture a "French nail" or MY favorite, the US Model of 1917 Trench Knife. This is a triangular-profile spike on a grip with a bumpy knuckle guard, resembling "brass knuckles". Hold the knife blade UP from fisted hand. Approach your adversary, stabbing and punching as needed. Parry bayonet thrusts and deflect firearms aimed at you. Stabbing with a thrusting motion causing devastating penetration wounds into chest and belly, causing shock, rapid blood loss, and collapsed lungs. Adversary out. it is no wonder to me that these have been useful over many centuries of use! Thank you for this great video!

[@Miata822]

Carrying a "Stiletto" or "Dagger" on your person in Texas was illegal until fairly recently when almost all knife regulations were repealed. I could now carry my bone handled stiletto-style switchblade when shopping for groceries or wear a saber when feeding the ducks at the park. Texas is an interesting place.

[@jeggiejegmeister8720]

Totally agree ref the grip. As for usage, and with reference to the many "prison shanking" scenes in modern media - I believe these were used in the same manner as "pig-stickers" used to slaughter pigs, in that they were thrust sideways through the victim's throat one or more times, probably from behind, and then the assailant turned and ran. Sharp enough to pierce either carotid arteries or the jugular vein it was a mortal wound. A Stiletto would also not hamper a running escape, being unobtrusive and light. :)

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Thank you for sharing; awesome informational Video. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)