Object Title

Push dagger

Push dagger

Development

The lack of a British issue trench weapon saw commercial opportunities for civilian manufactures.  One of the most prolific was Robbins of Dudley, who had since 1876 manufactured basic blacksmith ironwork.  With the onset of trench warfare, they turned their attention to designing and producing a variety of unique weapons for private sale to troops heading off on active service.  These included unusual miniature curved sabre types with stirrup-hilted guards, double-edged short swords and even rare variants with South-East Asian kris style blades.  However, the most popular types were push daggers, and Robbins devised at least four variants on this theme, with this type being the most common.

Use and effect

Designed to be used in a punching motion, some versions had a pommel spike to enable a downward strike. Many were originally blackened to be inconspicuous at night.  Despite the short tang making the blade liable to break, this remained one of the most popular private purchase daggers amongst British troops.

Statistics

Blade length 12.4 cm (4.8 in)
Country of manufacture Britain
Date entered service 1914
Manufacturer Robbins of Dudley
Overall length 15.5 cm (6.1 in)
Primary operator Britain
Weight 190 g (6.8 oz) (without sheath)

Author

Henry Yallop