Stiletto vs. Dirk — What's the Difference?

A stiletto (Italian: [stiˈletto]) is a knife or dagger with a long slender blade and needle-like point, primarily intended as a stabbing weapon.The stiletto blade's narrow cross-section and acuminated (tapering gradually to a sharp point) tip reduce friction upon entry, allowing the blade to penetrate deeply. Some consider the stiletto a form of dagger, but most stilettos are specialized thrusting weapons not designed for cutting or slashing, even with edged examples.Over time, the term stiletto has been used as a general descriptive term for a variety of knife blades exhibiting a narrow blade with minimal cutting surfaces and a needle-like point, such as the U.S. V-42 stiletto, while in American English usage, the name stiletto can also refer to a switchblade knife with a stiletto- or bayonet-type blade design.

A dirk is a long bladed thrusting dagger. Historically, it was a personal weapon of officers engaged in naval hand-to-hand combat during the Age of Sail as well as the personal sidearm of Highlanders.

A small dagger with a slender, tapering blade.

A dagger.

Something shaped like such a dagger.

To stab with a dirk.

A small, sharp-pointed instrument used for making eyelet holes in needlework.

A long Scottish dagger with a straight blade.

A shoe or boot with a stiletto heel.

A penis; dork.

A small, slender knife or dagger-like weapon intended for stabbing.

A socially unacceptable person; an oddball.

A rapier.

To stab with a dirk.

An awl.

(obsolete) To darken.

A woman's shoe with a tall, slender heel (called a stiletto heel).

A kind of dagger or poniard; - formerly much used by the Scottish Highlander.

A beard trimmed into a pointed form.

To stab with a dirk.

(transitive) To attack or kill with a stiletto dagger.

To darken.

A kind of dagger with a slender, rounded, and pointed blade.

Dark.

A pointed instrument for making eyelet holes in embroidery.

A long dagger with a straight blade

A beard trimmed into a pointed form.

To stab or kill with a stiletto.

A small dagger with a tapered blade