History Knife & Tool Sleeve Dagger

'The Sleeve Dagger, also called the Bodkin or Nail Dagger, was a thrusting weapon developed by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II for undercover work in civilian settings. Its one-piece construction—machined from a single length of cylindrical steel and lacking a cross-guard—gave it a very low profile so it could be carried concealed and used as a last-resort escape tool if its bearer was captured. There was no single standard pattern; small batches were made by various makers, and the first examples are said to have been produced by a London jeweller experienced in making letter openers.\n\nAll examples share a nail-like build with a triangular-ground blade. Handles vary from completely round to slightly rectangular and may be smooth or feature checkering (cross-cutting) and a few circumferential grooves. Most have a recessed ring ahead of the mushroom-shaped pommel into which a leather loop can be tied to substitute for a missing guard. The pommel either matches the handle’s diameter or flares slightly like a mushroom.\n\nThese daggers were carried in a leather sheath with two slits for a strap, allowing concealed wear under clothing on the forearm (hence “sleeve”) or on the leg, with the single long strap looped in a figure-of-eight. The HKT Sleeve Dagger is made from an authentic plain carbon bearing steel (GCr15, ~1% C) and finished with a dark acid wash for an aged look. The point is sharpened on three faces, each with a shallow groove, and the grip is enhanced by checkering and four circumferential grooves. The mushroom pommel measures 16 mm in diameter (handle 13 mm) and includes a deep notch for an optional leather sling. The dagger comes with a brown leather sheath and a long leather strap with a pin buckle, modeled on the original.'