Tracing the History and Uses of Hidden Blades
Posted by Sharp Import on 1/30/2024
Hidden blades are one of the more interesting weapons in Assassin's Creed. They were originally used by assassins from the Ottoman Empire, before being adopted by other cultures such as Persia and Italy. This double-sided blade can be fitted internally for concealment under a sleeve, or externally strapped to an arm. These are two views of a Single-Sided Hidden Blade. One side is smooth while the other has a notch near its hilt for a more secure grip when you're throwing it.
These cool knives are typically outfitted with a spring or clip so that the blade is easily released from the handle for use, as well as for easy concealment. Some models have specially designed handles to make them difficult to spot in dark clothing, and some also come with built-in blades as well. Some types of these blades include daggers, switchblades, stilettos, butterfly knives, and scimitars. A few different styles may have a double-edge (backward) blade design; this feature allows it to be used both "normally" or "reverse.
The Great Hidden Blades History
A hidden blade is a knife designed to be concealed, usually in a sheath or inside the sleeve of a coat, so that it may be drawn quickly and silently for deadly purposes. The term comes from the method of hiding one's knife within one's clothes or the tailoring itself. Hidden blades were historically used as weapons during close-quarter combat, primarily by assassins in civilian clothes.
Early references to Hidden Blade history go back at least as far as ancient Rome and can likely be found among cultures from around the world throughout history. The concept of a knife hidden inside another object dates back to the Middle Ages and was usually used as a method of concealment. For example, an assassin might have a dagger that was inside the handle of a walking stick or cane. While uncommon, stabbing weapons hidden inside other objects were not unknown in ancient times.
However, hidden blades or self defense knives designed specifically for assassination became more common during the Renaissance. Such weapons were used by the samurai and by Ottoman assassins (the use of a concealed blade was later adopted by members of several European secret societies including the Carbonari and the Mafia).
During the Renaissance, men often wore belt daggers in plain sight (e.g. at their sides), so that they might be quickly drawn out in case of an ambush. Several stabbing weapons such as longswords and poniards existed during this time, but what made them different from daggers was that they were designed and intended specifically for close combat situations, which were not uncommon during duels and other types of personal combat.
Types of Hidden Blades
Hidden blades are an essential accessory for any self-respecting assassin. They come in a variety of forms, and the intent behind their design will be reflected in their effectiveness as weapons. Some blades can be hidden in clothing while others are designed to clandestinely withdraw from sheaths or straps on trousers. Some knives double as concealed blades while others may hang at the waist on a belt. Here are the popular types of these blades:
1. Belt Buckle Knife
The sheath, or scabbard, of a belt knife, slips over the handle of the blade and is secured in place by a flange that holds the knife from underneath. Belt knives can be worn on either side of the body, however, it is not recommended to wear one directly under your clothing as they may make you more susceptible to back or side wounds.2. Boot Knife
A boot knife is worn in a boot, hence its name. Oftentimes, they are carried in each boot so that both hands remain free for defense if needed; there are also versions where a knife rides along one leg in a holster while the other is bare without any weapon at all.3. Button Blade
A button blade may be worn across the back from the shoulder or across the chest below the arm. It is a small single-edged blade with a handle that is usually quite long. You can draw it by pulling the handle, which slides along a slit in your jacket or coat, or by pushing a button on its base to fire it out of its sheath like a bullet from a gun.4. Lipstick Knife
These are usually placed in lipstick holders for concealment; they can also be slipped inside bottles of perfume as well as some tall cans of hairspray that have holsters built into them already. A lipstick knife is ideal for self defense against the attackers.5. Jet or Jet Injector
The jet injector is a syringe-like device that can be concealed easily in the palm. This small, handheld device makes an excellent self-defensive weapon, and hypodermic needles in them can be filled with either poison or pressure-sensitive drugs used to knock out their target.
Uses and Applications of Hidden Blades
Hidden blades are used both for self-defense and in the form of weapons to make a deadly attack by stabbing or slashing someone with the blade hidden inside. The term "hidden blade" is more often referred to as a stiletto, but these knives are often disguised differently. Many have different designs from regular knives, some even look like bobby pins that can be secreted on one person, and others like steak knives that can be put into one's pocket with ease. There are many uses for these blades including:
Self-defense: To defend yourself in dangerous situations, you would need a concealed self defense weapon that could harm the attacker without getting you hurt or killed.
Thievery: This blade can be used to secretly steal things from someone. This could include a valuable item, such as a ring or earring. Stealing things like this is often referred to as the "Thief's Trade" and many thieves make their living in this way.
Assassination: This would require a very sharp blade and a quick hand to successfully carry out the killing without discovery. Not all assassins use hidden knives for their work, but they are sometimes used because of their ease of concealment and silent killing ability.
Many different ways hidden blades have been used throughout history that have proven themselves effective over time. One such example is the famous Japanese Samurai. The different types that they used appeared in different designs and with varying amounts of blades, but they all proved effective historically. The use of swords to kill people was by far the most common form of hidden blade. These swords were usually two-handed due to the ease of use and size of the sword.
Some ended up being small daggers or fighting knives that could be easily concealed on one's person as well, if necessary. Many uses can be found throughout history for these blades in a variety of historical settings; either for self-defense, thievery, or to attack another person. No matter what the circumstances, they were helpful throughout history and will continue to be a long time into the future.
The Popularity of Hidden Blades Today!
Hidden blades are one of the most iconic pieces of equipment that anyone who has played the Assassin's Creed series would recognize. In the gameplay, these knives are hidden in a sheath on your wrist, and with a flick of your wrist, they're dropped into your palm. They're available as replicas for fans to buy as well. They have become so popular with players.
In the game, these blades are used as your main weapon throughout the franchise but in real life, you have to work on the accuracy and strength of your wrist. You're going to need a target first which is not necessarily a bad thing because practice makes it complete and it'll also keep you entertained. The best advice I could give you is that you're going to need something strong and sturdy to withstand the force delivered by your blade hitting it. If not, most likely you'll end up destroying whatever object you've chosen.
You can use a thick tree branch, a wooden pallet, or even a small bit of metal to serve as your target. Just make sure you're not using anything too big or hard. If you're right-handed then aim for your left side while if you're left-handed your opposite side will be the one.
Some prefer the right side when they're ambidextrous though but it's not exactly universal and rogue players may even find themselves in between positions. To throw the blade, you'll need to twist your wrist accordingly so that it comes out at the right angle and 'flicks' towards the target.