1. Opening
- Knives and daggers are among the most familiar weapon props.
- Their apparent simplicity can be deceptive: even a blunt, purpose-made prop can cause injury.
- This section concerns the selection, construction, preparation, and care of theatrical knives and daggers.
2. Knives and Daggers Defined
- A knife is generally derived from a working tool and commonly has a single-edged, asymmetrical blade.
- A dagger is generally designed as a weapon, with a straight, symmetrical, double-edged blade.
- These are practical generalizations, not absolute historical definitions.
- Dictionary, historical, stage-combat, and theatrical-supply terminology do not always agree.
3. Principal Parts
Brief definitions only:
- Blade
- Point
- Edge or edges
- Tang
- Handle or grip
- Guard
- Pommel or butt
- Sheath
Note that a fixed-blade knife is usually built around a blade and handle, while a dagger is often constructed more like a small sword, with a separate guard, grip, and pommel.
In This Section
- Selecting and Preparing Knife Props for Stage Use
- Dagger Blades Used for Stage Combat
- Checking and Maintaining Knives and Daggers
- Retractable Knives: Why They Can Never Be Safe
- Folding, Automatic, and Specialty Knife Props