Hollow Knight / Article

Nail

Content updated 2026-05-27 · Sources & license

Overview

Source details: For

{{For|the attacks taught by [[Nailmasters]]|Nail Arts}}

Source details: HK Infobox Item

{{HK Infobox Item

|label1 = Old
|title1 = Old Nail
|image1 = Nail 1 Old Nail.png
|description1 = {{Quote|A traditional weapon of Hallownest. Its blade is blunt with age and wear.}}
|damage1 = 5
|type1 = [[Items (Hollow Knight)#Equipment|Equipment]]
|source1 = Starting item

|label2 = Sharpened
|title2 = Sharpened Mail
|image2 = Nail 2 Sharpened Nail.png
|description2 =  {{Quote|A traditional weapon of Hallownest, restored to lethal form.}}
|damage2 = 9 (+80%)
|type2 = [[Items (Hollow Knight)#Equipment|Equipment]]
|source2 = [[Nailsmith]]
|buy2 = {{g|250}}

|label3 = Channelled
|title3 = Channelled Nail
|image3 = Nail 3 Channelled Nail.png
|description3 =  {{Quote|A cleft weapon of Hallownest. The blade is exquisitely balanced.}}
|damage3 = 13 (+44.4%)
|type3 = [[Items (Hollow Knight)#Equipment|Equipment]]
|source3 = [[Nailsmith]]
|buy3 = {{g|800}}<br>[[File:Pale Ore.png|20x20px|link=Pale Ore]] 1

|label4 = Coiled 
|title4 = Coiled Nail
|image4 = Nail 4 Coiled Nail.png
|description4 =  {{Quote|A powerful weapon of Hallownest, refined beyond all others.}}
|damage4 = 17 (+30.8%)
|type4 = [[Items (Hollow Knight)#Equipment|Equipment]]
|source4 = [[Nailsmith]]
|buy4 = {{g|2000}}<br>[[File:Pale Ore.png|20x20px|link=Pale Ore]] 2

|label5 = Pure 
|title5 = Pure Nail
|image5 = Nail 5 Pure Nail.png
|description5 =  {{Quote|The ultimate weapon of Hallownest. Crafted to perfection, this ancient nail reveals its true form.}}
|damage5 = 21 (+23.55)
|type5 = [[Items (Hollow Knight)#Equipment|Equipment]]
|source5 = [[Nailsmith]]
|buy5 = {{g|4000}}<br>[[File:Pale Ore.png|20x20px|link=Pale Ore]] 3
}}

Source details: Quote

{{Quote
|A nail is an extension of ourselves, it is the instrument by which we shape the world around us. It's a sacred duty to keep its edges sharp.
|[[Sly]]
}}

A Nail is a bladed weapon wielded by several enemies, bosses, and NPCs in Hollow Knight, as well as the Knight. The Nail can be upgraded by the Nailsmith up to four times if given enough Geo and Pale Ore, adding additional damage.

Source details: raw HTML/media

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Nail-bouncing

Jumping and slashing downwards with the Nail on enemies, spikes, and some environmental objects makes the Knight bounce. This move is known as "Nail-bouncing", "pogo-jumping", or simply "pogo-ing", and it is useful for both fighting enemies and platforming. Certain areas can also be accessed early through Nail-bouncing.

There are purple mushrooms in the Fungal Wastes that the Knight can Nail-bounce on to bounce higher than usual. They can be used as platforms to access the Mantis Village and other locations before obtaining more Abilities.

There are a few other places where Nail-bouncing is required: * A Hallownest Seal found above the Stag Station in King's Station requires Nail-bouncing to obtain. * A Vessel Fragment in Deepnest can be obtained by Nail-bouncing on Garpedes. * The

Source details: HK CP Icon Mini

{{HK CP Icon Mini|The Grimm Troupe}}

Path of Pain requires Nail-bouncing in order to be completed.

Charms

Several Charms in the game affect various aspects of the Nail: * Fragile Strength /

Source details: HK CP Icon Mini

{{HK CP Icon Mini|The Grimm Troupe}}

Unbreakable Strength increase the Nail's damage by 50% * Fury of the Fallen increase the Nail's damage by 75% when the Knight is at 1 Mask. * Longnail and Mark of Pride increase the Nail's range by 15% and 25% respectively. * Quick Slash increases the Nail's attack speed by 32%. * Steady Body prevents the Knight from receiving knockback when striking an enemy. * Heavy Blow increases the knockback enemies receive when hit. * Grubberfly's Elegy fires a short-range projectile when the Nail is swung at full health.

Trivia

* The Nail's appearance does not change in the Knight's sprites, even after upgrades. * Some enemies wield nail-lances and greatnails. The Knight cannot wield either. * A few enemies' health increases when upgrading the Nail.