My affinity for push daggers began when I was in middle school. I read a lot of SWAT, American Survival Guide, and similar magazines back then, and there were frequent ads for Cold Steel in them. Their Urban Pal and Urban Skinner caught my attention, as did the later Terminator and Safe Keeper models.
There’s a great, informal, and unofficial rundown of the history of Cold Steel push daggers here at Blade Forums.
Over the decades since, I’ve collected a few push daggers and even carried them as part of my EDC off and on. It’s important to be mindful of the statutes and ordinances that are in effect where you live, work, and recreate, of course. If we’re being honest, the push dagger has but one function, and that’s to cause damage to someone or something trying to hurt you. It’s what we might call a “get off me” tool. You’re not using one of these to break down boxes or slice salami for lunch.
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Some of my Favorite Push Daggers
El Nino Black – Shivworks
Shivworks makes a few different types of push daggers. The El Niño Black is a slightly scaled-down version of their original full-size push dagger. Unlike most push daggers, this one has the blade extending between the index and middle fingers, rather than between the middle and ring fingers. It’s comfortable and easy to use.
The handle is textured G10 and feels great in hand. While they do offer this model in a double-edged iteration, this one is single-edged. It comes with a Kydex sheath equipped with a loop that allows for a variety of carry options.
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Specs
| Overall Length | 4.875 inches |
| Blade Length | 2.75 inches |
| Steel | Sandvik 12C27 |
| MSRP | $133 |
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Safe Keeper II – Cold Steel
This model has been discontinued, but you can still find it on the secondary market from time to time. It’s a big dagger, over six inches from end to end. This gives you a fair amount of reach and the ability to actually get to something vital, even through clothing or light outerwear. The fact that the blade is double-edged just adds to the appeal.
I love the textured Kraton handle. It’s very grippy and secure. The Secure-Ex sheath is plastic and has a built-in belt clip. It also has various other attachment points you can use to lash it to your pack strap or elsewhere.
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Specs
| Overall Length | 6.25 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.75 inches |
| Steel | AUS8A |
| MSRP | Varies |
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MicroDickPick – Wingard Wearables
This is another non-conventional styled push dagger. In fact, it isn’t really a dagger at all. But as it’s deployed and used in a very similar manner, I decided to include it here. Rather than a sharp blade, it’s a spike that extends from your clenched fist. We reviewed the MicroDickPick at length a while back. Suffice it to say, it’s a handy multi-use defense option.
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Specs
| Overall Length | 4.625 inches |
| Blade Length | 2.625 inches |
| Steel | AEB-L |
| MSRP | $105 |
A push dagger isn’t the best primary option for self-defense. A better choice in that regard is something that can reach out and touch someone from a distance, such as a handgun. But as a backup weapon, the push dagger has a lot going for it. They’re easy to conceal and keep close at hand. They’re also simple to use.
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As with any weapon, though, carrying it is the easy part. Get familiar with it and practice with it regularly to help ensure success when it matters most.
