Field notes
- Intended base strong attack damage: 18.S1
Armory / current record
Melee field profile
Published 1.0 melee values, role and version evidence in one record. A dash is an unreported value, not a zero.
- Category
- One-handed slashing
- Grip
- One-handed
- Tier
- Not published
- Field role
- Fast starter blade
Verified combat data
Attack profile: Q / S / C
Quick / Strong / Charged. Dashes mean the current official material does not publish that value; they are not estimated.
| Measure | Quick | Strong | Charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base damage | — | 18 | — |
| Headshot damage | — | — | — |
| Stability damage | 5 | 10 | — |
Operational protocol
Use the weapon for the job in front of you
- 01
Choose the job before the swing
Use the slashing role when damage, interruption or dismemberment is the immediate need. Do not turn that role into a promise of safe solo play.
- 02
Match commitment to the lane
A one-handed cadence can support shorter follow-ups, but only take a sequence that still leaves a clean disengage line.
- 03
Keep stamina for the grapple
Melee and sprinting share the stamina reserve used to resist a grapple. Stop the sequence before the weapon’s next swing costs the team an infection response.
- 04
Recheck the current line before optimizing
Armageddon changed melee balance. Use the published line and version source on this page, and leave any dash as unknown instead of importing an older ranking.
Decision support
Situation → action
| Situation | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The squad needs a defined close-range job | Use Small Knife for its damage and interruption role. | Slashing weapons are documented around damage, interruption and dismemberment. |
| A value in the table is a dash | Keep it as unknown and compare the confirmed line. | The current source does not publish that part of the attack line. |
| Stamina is low and contact is likely | Back out instead of committing another long swing. | The remaining stamina may be needed to resist a grapple and avoid infection. |
FAQ / weapon use
Questions to answer before the next run
What do Q / S / C mean for Small Knife?+
They mean Quick, Strong and Charged attacks. Every melee value on this page follows that order.
Why does Small Knife show a dash in part of its damage line?+
A dash means the current official material does not publish that value. It is intentionally left blank rather than estimated from an older patch or another site.
Does difficulty change Small Knife damage?+
No. Official Armageddon 1.0 melee notes say weapon damage no longer changes across difficulty settings; enemy pressure and survival risk still do.
What job is Small Knife documented for?+
Its current field role is Fast starter blade. Use that role alongside its grip, available values and the space your squad has, rather than treating one number as a universal ranking.
When should I replace Small Knife?+
Replace it when another confirmed weapon solves the team’s immediate problem better—control, reach, damage line or available space—not simply because it is later in the run.
Updates linked to this page
These updates may change the route, value or rule described on this page. Open a patch to see the affected area.