French Nail - Clous Francáis

The French Nail (Late Period) were converted bayonets, knives and crude stabbing spikes made by adding a point to a steel stake and adding an ergonomic handle or vice-versa.

A more elegant form of the weapon was the introduction of the Poignard-Baïonnette Lebel M1886/14 . Developed by Lt. Col. Coutrot then issued to the French Army. It has a long needle-pointed spike, wood handle and an integrated knuckle guard. Originally a conversion (Early Period) of the French Épée-Baïonnette Modèle 1886. Up to three trench knives could be constructed from a single M1886 Lebel bayonet. "French Nails" trench knives tend to vary, and more versatile blade types and patterns made. The double-edged combat dagger Couteau Poignard Mle 1916 (Le Vengeur ) began to replace the original French Nail. When the U.S. Rangers introduced the Mark I (1918) "knuckle duster" trench knife it was based indirectly upon previous French designs. The Lebel spike bayonet and the trench variations were made into genuine knives. Any stiletto is a knife even after conversion. Here is a photo of a U.S.Mark 2 that I converted to a late period French Nail:

"A few thrusts from this and you're  churnin' butter!".

Albainian SKS

More often trench warfare spawned clubs and knives intended for close quarter fighting. My Mark2 handled variation has a blade designed as the type known as the 'French Nail' (Clous Français) produced at a number of French front-line 'parcs d'artillerie' (unofficial) but still a combat knife with sharpened edges. The original Mark2 are all full tang one-piece stabbing/slashing weapons made for field work.

The "loop type" early period bent handle French Nails had a loose and unsatisfactory handling and was too lightweight that resulted in a minimum of protection.

"Please pass the ketchup?"

 The tip fashioned from beating the forward extension of a rod flat. A "French Fry" blade with prominent medial rib.

The trench knife with additional added weight in the handle was series produced by the Robbins Co. of Dudley, Worcestershire (push/punch daggers).




French Nails were not heat tempered but were cold hammer hardened to prevent bending or budges. Many styles were even smaller made by many (John Paisley) like these: *Neck knives *Spike/Tine Punch *Lapel Daggers *Brochette *Clandestine weapons *Hatpins These were issued by the SOE/OSS to men and women training in: *Camp #STS103 (Canada) *Arisaig *Beaulieu House *Inverailort (Scotland) SOE and OSS weapons"Spike/Tine Punch" were made from the tines of a pitchfork, similar in length as the early period French Nail but originated in India.

Rex Applgate French Trench