Bladed tools have been used all throughout history, and range from weapons to something you’d find in your average household.
The terms ‘knife’ and ‘dagger’ are often used interchangeably. But, there’s a handful of differences between the two that not everyone is aware of.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about a knife and a dagger.
The Two By Definition
As previously mentioned, many people tend to think of a knife and a dagger as the same object. But, given the unique characteristics of each, there’s a clear difference between the two:
- A knife is seen more as a tool (such as for cooking, cutting rope, etc.)
- A dagger is designed with self-defense or combat in mind and has more tactical uses
Let’s explore the main differences between each and how they affect the object’s overall utility.
The Overall Design
Both knives and daggers have their specific uses, but they aren’t always obvious. In fact, it can be difficult for someone inexperienced to tell what either one is supposed to be used for other than cutting.
Luckily, all it takes is a closer look to find out for yourself.
Knives
Although similar in shape (and sometimes size) to a dagger, knives are manufactured to be far safer to use. These design specifications are what makes something like a butterknife a relatively harmless household utensil.