dagger vs. dirk

[Hengelo_77]

I was wondering, what exactly is the difference between a dagger and a dirk?

 

[GallantEdge]

I'm not sure of the complete difference but I think a dirk could be loosely defined as a short dagger.

 

[dsmegst]

I've always understood dirks as being a type of dagger.

 

[freedoom]

there isn't any real difference. two words for the same thing.

 

[not-too-sharp]

I have a friend who's involved with The ARMA and according to him:
"The dirk is most comparable to a Japanese Kodachi."
"They both fit in the too short to be a sword, but too long to be a dagger category."After a little googling it seems that the dirk varied in length depending on the maker and the person who wanted it made, whereas the dagger was often an issued military weapon and probably had a relatively set length. But I'm sure an officer back in the day could have it made to his specs. So it seems that while they're very similar, they both can vary greatly depending on what the person who's wielding it wants. But in most instances a dirk is longer and has a rounded guard instead of the typical cross style.
Hope that helps -Andrew

 

[Planterz]

It's always been my understanding that dirks are single-edged and daggers are double-edged. But of course, that's a loose definition, and it depends on where the knife came from. If a layperson asked me what a dirk was, I'd tell them it was a Scottish dagger. Not necessarily single edged, because if a 17th century Scotsman had a double-edged dagger, he'd probably call it a dirk. But from my (limited) understanding, most Scottish dirks were single edge, which is where my original assumption comes from. I'm no historian...

 

[Charlie Mike]

Dirks/Daggers could include a screwdriver when it comes to the way some laws are written.

 

[a2d2]

A lot of variation in our definitions of dirks and daggers. I was under the impression that a dirk was a long thin spike type of device that only looked like a dagger(used for slipping between plate armor?). Then again I've heard that there was no difference between the two.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

there will be variations in legal definitions and practical definitions.

in ca, they are terms used to describe a concealed item that could be used to stab. cm is correct, under some circumstances a screwdriver could be a dirk/dagger. in ca law, there is no description of or prohibition on the number of edges a dirk/dagger has.

i picture a dirk as a spike-like item, and a dagger as a double edged blade.

 

[WvHiker]

A lot of variation in our definitions of dirks and daggers. I was under the impression that a dirk was a long thin spike type of device that only looked like a dagger(used for slipping between plate armor?). Then again I've heard that there was no difference between the two.

I think you're talking about a stiletto.

I always thought a dirk was a smaller dagger. Not really sure where I got the idea, to be honest. Probably from "Savage Sword of Conan" comics.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Daggers are simply double-edged knives whereas a dirk is a not quite sword/not quite knife intermediary. Dirks may be single or double edged. Below is an example of a Napoleonic midshipman's dirk. Essentially it's a very large dagger.

Below is a Russian kindjal, which came in both single edged and double edged variants. Either could be considered as fitting under the classification of a dirk. This one is of the single edged variety.

 

[bh49]

Below is a Russian kindjal, which came in both single edged and double edged variants.

Kindjal is not historical Russian weapon and never was. Kindjals associated with several ethnic groups, who live on the south from Russian in Caucas Mountain region.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindjal

 

[risen]

Dirks/Daggers could include a screwdriver when it comes to the way some laws are written.

there will be variations in legal definitions and practical definitions.

in ca, they are terms used to describe a concealed item that could be used to stab. cm is correct, under some circumstances a screwdriver could be a dirk/dagger. in ca law, there is no description of or prohibition on the number of edges a dirk/dagger has.

i picture a dirk as a spike-like item, and a dagger as a double edged blade.

Both consistent with my experience/understanding.

From my layman perspective, while certain types of knives do apply, in current times, dirk/dagger seems to relate more to the intended use of an item (like stabbing, etc..., basically/specifically ready-use as a weapon [not utility]), which is why tools like screwdrivers can easily fall into this category.

If asked, "Are you carrying it for protection?", I believe an attempt is being made to establish a person's intended use, which can also help to establish intent for other things, depending on the circumstances.

A "yes", in any way, may kick in dirk/dagger definitions, showing that a person only intended on stabbing others with his/her knife (screwdriver, etc...), not using it as an everyday utility tool.

Myself, I never carry a knife for protection.

 

[Hengelo_77]

A lot of variation in our definitions of dirks and daggers. I was under the impression that a dirk was a long thin spike type of device that only looked like a dagger(used for slipping between plate armor?). Then again I've heard that there was no difference between the two.

I beleve that would be a rondel, a stif stabbing instrument with only a sharp point and no edge. Often they had a triangular or square cross section
(the US 1917 trench knife with brass knuckles is a late example)