Shiv

This handmade weapon ("shiv") was created by a prisoner at Pentridge Prison and found in a cell in B Division.

This example was fashioned from everyday materials—a screwdriver, a bolt, and possibly wire from a table tennis net.

Length: 21cm

Held in Pentridge Prison online Museum Collection.

*Shiv: 1. n A homemade weapon; usually a stabbing implement. 

(Note that “shank” is an Americanism that is not generally used by Victorian prisoners). 2. (Macquarie Dictionary) noun British Colloquial a knife [alteration of chiv blade, from Gipsy]

Boner: 1. A “shiv”, especially one used as a stabbing implement. See “shiv”.

*‘The Dictionary of Victorian Prison Slang, 2014.