The Hidden Blades were used by Assassins in order to perform stealth assassinations and regular combat. As this was their most iconic weapon, they were able to apply multiple upgrades and master a large variety of forms of use.
As it is fitting for weapons that embody the essence of the Assassin Order, Hidden Blades were often customized by their owners, in order to match their specific needs or or acquire their own style.
The use of the Hidden Blade required the removal of a ring finger for the blade to be able to extend easily. Many of the early Levantine Assassins could be identified by their missing ring finger. In the 13th century, the blade's mechanism was modified so it no longer required for its user to cut off a ring finger. This modification allowed the Assassins to keep their identity a secret.