This Discreet Böker Knife Dates Back to WWII British Secret Service Spy Ops

Designed for concealed carry, it’s a quirky and simple yet formidable tool steeped in rich espionage history.

Published May 7, 2025

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Updated May 7, 2025

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During WWII, the British famously ran many spy operations. In fact, Ian Fleming based his most famous character, James Bond, on several people he knew during his time in the British Naval Intelligence Division.

For those secret ops, the British Secret Service often equipped its officers and operatives with discreet tools to assist them in their endeavors.

Böker has just recreated one such tool that was developed and utilized by the SOE (Special Operations Executive). Called the Böker Sleeve Dagger, this historically accurate fixed blade recreation can soon be yours.

Böker Sleeve Dagger next to full-sized dagger and sheath — As you can see, this knife is much more discreet than its full-sized counterparts are.

Simplicity is the best policy

The Sleeve Dagger (also known as a Bodkin or Nail Dagger) is an incredibly simple yet effective implement. It’s a single, slender piece of metal with a handle on one end and a dagger blade on the other.

The reason for this simplicity is twofold. First, its slim profile makes it exceptionally discreet and ideal for concealed carry. It can be worn in its leather sheath on the leg or arm (hence the “Sleeve” in Sleeve Dagger) without bulging or impeding normal movement.

Second, its simplicity makes it an exceptionally easy-to-maintain instrument. Its machined handle is grippy, its triangular blade is effective, and neither requires much attention to remain useful. It even has a thick pommel on the end for less-than-lethal striking purposes.

While it does not have a crossguard, it does have a circumferential recess toward the base onto which a leather loop could be affixed as a suitable replacement.

Böker Sleeve Dagger blade closeup — All three sides of the knife’s triangular dagger blade have deep fuller grooves.

Historically accurate

In a move that lovers of WWII and manufacturing history will appreciate, Böker chose to produce this recreation with as much historical accuracy as possible. As such, even the material used is period-correct.

That means it’s made from a simple carbon steel, 440A in this case. While inexpensive, it’s incredibly durable and ideal for fixed-blade applications.

The design is also as accurate as possible, including the fuller grooves on all three sides of its 3.5-inch blade. The handle, including the mushroom-shaped pommel end, is 4.33 inches and the whole thing weighs 4.62 ounces.

It has also been given an acid wash finish to enhance its appearance, giving it an antique look. While the original sleeve daggers were produced in extremely small quantities by various manufacturers, this one is only made by Böker and is widely available.