PRISON SHANK 021

Collection

American Prison System · Weapons

Origin

Weade Correctional Facility
Alden, New York, USA

Medium

Steel, adhesive, and vinyl electrical tape

Association

Manufactured by an incarcerated individual for close-quarters combat within a correctional facility.

Description

Improvised prison weapon consisting of a small steel blade secured within a narrow handle formed by tightly wrapped green vinyl electrical tape. The blade has a triangular profile with a sharply pointed tip and single beveled cutting edge. A dark adhesive or resin reinforces the blade-to-handle junction before it is overwrapped with successive layers of tape, creating a compact cylindrical grip. The handle exhibits cracking, abrasions, and lifting seams consistent with age and use.

The weapon is accompanied by a removable improvised sheath constructed from additional layers of tightly wrapped green vinyl electrical tape. The sheath fully encloses the blade when not in use and fits snugly over the handle, protecting the edge while reducing the risk of accidental injury during concealment or transport. Both the sheath and handle display similar construction techniques and wear patterns, indicating they were fabricated as a matching set.

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