A bit of history
Today it's very hard to imagine our life without knives. But, which is understandable, they did not exist during the entire history of mankind. The first semblance of knives originated in the Paleolithic period, when people tried to sharpen stones in various ways in order to use them as cutting objects. The situation changed considerably when metals and their processing methods were mastered. This is how the first products made of copper, bronze and even gold appeared. The most familiar to us kind of knives got already in the iron age.
You'll be interested in:What is the meaning of the tattoo with a dagger
Today, more products are made of carbon steel, which has high strength and durability. It is also possible to meet knives from cobalt and titanium alloy, but they have not been widely used. Here it is worth noting that the meaning of the knife tattoo does not depend on what material is depicted on the body.
Classification of knives
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Many people now consider knives quite ordinary and simple things. At the same time, not all of them know that there are certain classifications of them according to various criteria.
First of all, knives are divided by the type of construction:
- folding;
- with a fixed blade;
- with a detachable blade;
- skeleton knives.
If knives of the first three types can be easily recognized based on their names, the fourth type is familiar to few people. A characteristic feature of skeletal products is that both the blade and the handle are made of a single piece of metal. That is why such items are highly durable, but may not be very comfortable to use.
According to the classification by purpose, the following types of knives can be found:
- weapons;
- kitchen;
- travel knives;
- universal;
- Others (e.g., scalpel).
Well here you need to understand that the meaning of the knife tattoo may vary depending on what type of product is depicted.
Meaning of the tattoo
As a rule, any image has many variants of meaning, the knife tattoo is no exception. So, the main meaning of such a drawing is expressed in the following:
- Loneliness. That is the meaning of the tattoo of the knife on the hand can be deduced from the fact that he prefers to do it is closed in itself people. Most often, such a drawing is made in the style of minimalism.
- Power and freedom. One of the most common variants of the meaning of the knife tattoo for men.
- Willpower and courage. Given the fact that this is a cold weapon, this variant of meaning could not be avoided.
- The desire for power. This meaning of the drawing is also explained by the fact that it depicts an object that can harm other people.
- Revenge. The knife on the body can also symbolize the fact that its owner holds a grudge against someone and plans to take revenge.
As we can see, there are various options for the meaning of this tattoo, but the specific meaning depends mainly on what exactly you put in the image on your body.
[50 Photos] Dagger tattoo - a symbol of determination and dexterity.
A dagger is a cold edged weapon of close combat. In the fight against the enemy in this way could dare only brave and fearless man. Therefore, and today tattoo "dagger" symbolizes determination, readiness for battle, power, agility. But there are other interpretations in virtue of which the image of weapons on the body becomes the choice of girls - it is loneliness, betrayal, suffering, revenge.
1. A dagger in flowers.
White flowers symbolize purity, kindness, sincerity. A dagger lurking in plants can hint at a hard core and strong character.
@black_casket
2. A dagger with a butterfly
The butterfly speaks of the ability to strike surreptitiously. The second symbolism of the folded wings of a butterfly - the memory of a departed man.
@konstantin.tattoos
3. Dagger and peony.
The dagger piercing the bud always speaks of a betrayal experienced, a fall of ideals and hopes.
@geo.clay.tattoo
4 Weapon with Rope
A rope is put on when there are turning points in life. It's also a sign of detachment, fateful love or a strong bond.
@isaacjctattoo
5. Dagger with snake and rose
Often the sketch is chosen by guys as a sign of a difficult love relationship. On the other hand, it can be a symbol of the fact that the owner of the tattoo will do anything for his love.
@frensinks
6. A pierced bird.
Such a brutal drawing testifies to the timelessness, the hope that has gone. Size allows you to place the sketch on your forearm or on your hip.
@flink_tattoo
7. Dagger with bones
The handle, decorated with bones, emphasizes the willingness of the man to go all for his goal. Tattoo in a minimalist style is chosen by men. The miniature can be tattooed on a finger.
@philpiggrinder_tattoo
8. Spartan Weapon.
From the Greek it translates as: "Come and get it." These are the words the Persian ambassador heard from the Spartan King Leonidas I, from whom he demanded the surrender of weapons.
@vanitytattoo_1996
9. Butterfly and dagger
It has a profound interpretation, often perceived as the divider of worlds: a butterfly - as a symbol of the high, spiritual, weapon - something common, gross. Looks great on the calf.
@jabbeytattoo.
10. Spearhead piercing the skull.
First of all, it hints at fearlessness before death. Often the bearers of such tattoos have already met with the "lady in black" and came out of this battle victorious. Such male tattoos are better to be beaten on the leg because they are perceived aggressively and hostilely by the society.
@broocke.ttt
11. Dagger in hand
A girl holding a dagger signals a readiness to defend herself. The sketch is common among many ladies with a steely temper and the ability to stand up for themselves.
@chamarro_tattoo
12. Snake wraps around a blade.
On a woman's body, the tattoo reflects the essence of the wearer. Girls put dodginess, cunning, and dexterity into such sketches. Flowers add grace and sexuality.
@ratcult
13. Minimalism
With such a sketch, every man will unobtrusively emphasize his courage, resilience, honor and determination.
@summa_tattoo
14. Intimidating Daggers
Pierced eye sockets can contain a protest against the surrounding reality, the rejection of its individual facets or the whole of it.
@planet_301
15. Colorful dagger tattoo
A bright old-school tattoo done in warm colors will immediately attract attention. Alas, the meaning is not rosy: the red rose in this sketch is a symbol of devoted feelings.
@7art.cl
16. Dagger and Rose
A similar no less striking plot. Suitable for both sexes.
@emilio_riveros_tattoo
17. Snake Wraps Dagger
Snake tattoos are rarely accepted positively. Be careful: such tattoos in criminal gangs were worn only by the ringleaders of thieves in the law.
pinterest.com
18. A dagger piercing a rose
Want to immortalize a former failure in love? Then this tattoo is for you. Sketches equally stuffed themselves both guys and girls.
@am.ink
19. Breathtaking Realism
A knife that pierces the heart is interpreted ambiguously. While for some it's a sign of cynicism and abuse, for others it's a huge wound, pain, or even a cry for help.
@holoqueentattoo
20. Old-school in color.
One of the most common subjects. A drawing with crisp lines and no frills will fit perfectly on a man's leg or arm.
@nik_korniets_tattoo
21. Colorful minimalism
A small tattoo is becoming the choice of many women who don't like large-scale illustrations.
@charleedarwintattoo
22. Dagger with lettering.
A geometry of asymmetrical details and incompatible figures ends up creating a unique drawing. The inscription reads, "Good luck goes with the bold."
@awt.pnz
23. A dagger sticking out of the mouth of a predator
A bold decision to get a tattoo on your arm and show everyone your temperament, character and belligerence. Cool laying on the back in a horizontal projection.
@ttrenaman_tattooer
24. Gothic Blade.
A somber photo of a ritual blade would suit those who are into magic. A hint of a connection to the otherworldly forces is more than obvious.
@mary_jka
25. Yellow rose
Despite the fact that yellow flowers are associated with separation, in tattoo culture it's a symbol of friendship, joy, and new beginnings. A pierced bud clearly does not signal a happy ending.
@jayjoree and @sethholmesart
26. Guy Fawkes Mask.
For several years now, the most popular symbol of protest and fight against corruption, the current system. Convenient orientation allows you to place the tattoo not only on your leg, but also on any part of your body.
@tommy._girardi
27. Feminine Blade.
Women rarely get past this sketch. The simplicity, harmoniously complemented by delicate details in the form of flowers, captures the attention instantly.
@pinto.piel
28. Weapons and flora
The abundance of dark colors in this sketch does not overshadow the tattoo, but reveals the depth of the drawing, emphasizing the client's love of beauty.
@stockholminktattoo
29. Fairy tale plot
The spider web, castle, and flowers create mystery. The tattoo is large, so it will require spacious areas of the hips, back.
@hungryhearttattoos
30. Blade with a woman's face.
There's a chicano reference. But the idea is conveyed more succinctly - everything is for real connoisseurs. Looks perfect on the hand.
@beeracktattoo
31. Wild Lion
Tattoo with watercolor elements favorably emphasizes creativity and charisma of the wearer. Often printed on the forearm.
@wanttattooink
32. Defeat
Fragmentary portrayal of a heart pierced through with a piercing pin. The conveyance of tragedy and pain is 100% successful for the master. The roses around adapt the image to a woman's hand.
@tattoosbypurple
33. Dagger with black flower
The sad association with black flowers is known to all. Another option for a photo to remind you of loss or a difficult life.
@lorencrawley
34. Realistic Blade.
A simple and so humble tattoo that the association with edged weapons recedes into the background when looking at the drawing. In the first place - a clear drawing of lines and original filing. Organically placed on the back of the calf.
@mirenroux
35. Knife in Violets.
Delicate flowers symbolize fidelity, modesty and purity. The small and neat tattoo will adorn more mature ladies.
@pixie_tattoos_sc
36. Dagger in the branches of an olive tree.
The negative message is completely absent. Olive branches are a symbol of peace, goodness, victory, peace and tranquility. Tattoo in the form of a weapon with a "peace tree" is preferred by those who want to capture their victory.
@lucasportotattoo
37. Minimalism B/W.
A simple and unremarkable tattoo sometimes means a lot to the client. So nothing prevents you from putting your own meaning or just decorating your body. A compact version of the tattoo would look interesting on a finger.
@mruano_tattoo
38. Skull and Knife
A large, clearly drawn tattoo is often inscribed on the back as a sign of the inevitable reprisal of an abuser.
@matthewrubitattoos
39. Dagger in the Clouds
The clouds around the blade are a reminder to move on and not give up in the face of difficulties. Perhaps such a person has lost a lot in life and now regrets it.
@ifnotforgravity
40. Cold weapons and baroque
A neat and very refined dagger tattoo will fit perfectly on the chest. Less extravagant women can place an aristocratic blade on the shoulder.
@libbyd.tattoo
41. Dagger with ribbon and flowers
A black and white old-school tattoo with the Latin inscription "impeccable purity." Looks beautiful on the shoulder, many people are won over by the translation.
@carrie_metz_caporusso
42. Blade and fern.
The fern flower is a talisman that protects a person from evil, illness and rash actions. Men prefer to have the flower on their chests, while girls choose the more feminine and delicate fern leaf.
@marios_rta
43. Dagger and spider.
Such a large and beautiful tattoo has a negative energy, as images of spiders are common among prisoners, pickpockets; people caught "in the web" of addiction.
@rhi.draws
44. Ancient Dagger.
Steeped in the spirit of antiquity and magic, the simple and concise at first glance tattoo will adorn the skin of young and original people.
pinterest.com
45. Dragon Dagger.
Gamers will appreciate the coolly drawn colorful dragon sword tattoo.
pinterest.com
46. Dagger and jewelry
Baroque fans will appreciate and can't help but add this photo to their gallery of cool sketches.
pinterest.com
47. Shattered Dagger.
Stylish and original presentation more suited to a male audience. Above-the-blade sketches are very popular right now.
pinterest.com.
48. Dagger of the royal era
Looking at this work of gun art, you forget that you're dealing with edged weapons. The quality drawing of small details, complemented by competent color reproduction, makes the sketch versatile for both genders.
pinterest.com
49. Valkyrie Blade.
The wonderfully bright colors fully convey the depth and richness of the display. Presenting the weapon in this way appeals not only to girls, but also to young men.
@animal_tattooer
50. Dagger piercing the arm.
A common type of tattoo symbolizing a deep heart wound.
@amor_tattoos
The dagger tattoo, like many other images, carries an ambiguous interpretation. The meaning can vary depending on the details that complement the plot. But this type of tattoo is often perceived hostile and aggressive, so when choosing a sketch, take this fact into account.
Tattoos of the knife with other elements
As you know, adding additional elements to a tattoo can significantly change its interpretation. The same happens when the knife is depicted with something else. Thus, it is possible to meet the following options:
Images of the knife in art
In the paintings of famous artists daggers are depicted in a very sad way: the split head in the painting by Elsatz Falchion, or the suicide of the Aschaffenburg Madonna by Hans Baldung, so we will not take them as a basis for the sketch. Although, there are different felt-tip pens for different tastes. Baldung's Madonna is fine: it's even depicted in black and white, which means that nothing can be changed in the sketch.
In the subjects of the paintings, in addition to scenes where someone is killed, there is often a still life "flower and knife", which symbolizes love and death. So, the rose and the dagger have been drawn for a long time, and tattoo culture has simply picked up this popular image. However, the most interesting, and most importantly, beautiful subjects can be found among the illustrations, which are full of the Internet.
The meaning on the zone
It should be clear to everyone that drawings in ordinary people and tattoos in the zone are two big differences. A seemingly harmless image at liberty can turn out to be a serious problem if a person is put behind bars. As for the meaning of the tattoo of a knife in the zone, first of all, this image symbolizes the increased aggressiveness and cruelty of its owner. It is believed that a person with such a picture is ready at any moment to grab a knife without hesitation, if it becomes necessary for him. Quite common is the image of a knife in the neck, which indicates that the prisoner previously knew how to handle knives well enough and was likely to stab someone. If the knife is wrapped in barbed wire, however, then such a crime was committed completely by a person when he was in captivity.
Thus, the owner of a tattooed knife may have a serious problem behind bars if he has not committed such crimes. When this information is disclosed, most often the person is given a few days to get rid of the image on his body. Otherwise, more severe sanctions are applied to him.
Dagger tattoos in men
A man is the main bearer of the dagger tattoo. Stamping such a tattoo (tattoo) men lay down the following meanings:
- Treason or betrayal of a loved one is depicted as a dagger pierced heart, usually with drops of blood, a symbol of heartbreak.
- A dagger piercing the heart can also mean vindictiveness and cruelty, but its value is rarely laid in the tattoo and is often found in prison symbols.
- Obsolete value, which is worth mentioning, this amulet against robbery. A skull is depicted with a dagger next to it.
- To tell people about his cynicism, they often stuff the dagger with meat. It is also more common in prison symbols.
- The laughing skull with a blade in its teeth indicates the fearlessness of the owner, the readiness for the most desperate deeds. The history of this meaning goes straight back to the history when such a symbol was depicted by pirates on their flags.
The shape of the handle and blade also carries its meaning. The long blade speaks of the spiritual and moral strength of the wearer, while the short (often broad) blade reflects a person's physical strength. The cross-shaped handle symbolizes the bridge between our world and the world of the dead..
Tattoo for girls
Given the above situation, it is not surprising that the tattoo with the image of a knife is not particularly popular among the fair sex. Very often they are repulsed by the aggressiveness and power, which are inherent in the meaning of this picture.
However, this does not mean that you can not meet the girl, whose body is decorated with a knife. As it is known, there are many representatives of the fair sex, whose vitality and courage can be the envy of many men. That is why for them the tattoo is a great way to express or emphasize their special attitude towards life. Moreover, we should not forget that the addition of certain elements can greatly facilitate the meaning of the knife tattoo, which we have seen in the example of the cutting object tattoo with a rose.
What style of tattoo is suitable for a knife tattoo
The sketch on the body should be aesthetic, clearly repeat the details and match the chosen style. For this image, the priority directions in the world of tattoos are such:
- old skool;
- new skool;
- black and white;
- thrash polka dot;
- sketch style;
- blackwork;
- traditional.
The most popular style is considered old-school. The sketch is made in dark saturated colors with the application of clear lines without smooth color transitions. Tattoos with the image of a knife are also chosen by celebrities.
The knife tattoo demonstrates a person's willingness to engage in physical combat with a weapon to protect family, friends or their own values. The tattoo can also symbolize the desire to "cut ties" with materialism, annoying relationships or other unnecessary things and people. When combined with other symbols, these meanings become even more powerful. We'll talk more about them in the article.
In what place to stuff?
It is quite clear here that knife tattoos can be absolutely different sizes. That is why they can be done on almost any part of the body. But given the characteristic shape of knives, the most popular options are the arm, leg, chest, back. The choice of place mainly depends on the wishes and preferences of the person who does the tattoo. Separately, it is worth mentioning here that the meaning of the drawing does not depend on which place it is located. In other words, the meaning of the knife tattoo on the leg, arm or any other part of the body will be the same. Only the image plays a role here. For example, the image of a kitchen knife on the hand will have one meaning, while the meaning of a butterfly knife tattoo on the same place can be completely different.
Tattoo sketches
Basically, men and girls tend to apply sketches in a realistic style - using volume, transitional shades and shadows. In some cases, such as when drawing on the fingers, a minimalistic style is used, implying the use of only black color.
Below are the best male and female sketches that you can use for your future tattoo. Keep in mind that you need to make your own changes to any picture, such as hand lettering. This will uniqueize the image, making it unique and one of a kind.
Presented photos of knife tattoos will help you in choosing an idea for the future sketch. We hope the presented gallery will facilitate your difficult choice.