Nail
Nail is the term used to describe the bladed weapons wielded by several enemies, NPCs, and bosses in Hollow Knight, including the Knight.
The Nailsmith in the City of Tears can upgrade the Knight's Nail up to 4 times if given enough Geo and Pale Ore, which increase the damage of Nail strikes.
The Fragile Strength/
Unbreakable Strength and Fury of the Fallen Charms also increase Nail damage.
- Main article: Nail Arts
Nail Upgrades
| Nail | Description & Upgrade Cost | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Old Nail A traditional weapon of Hallownest. Its blade is blunt with age and wear. | |
| Default weapon | Damage: 5 | |
 |
Sharpened Nail A traditional weapon of Hallownest, restored to lethal form. | |
Upgrade cost:  250
|
Damage: 9 | |
 |
Channelled Nail A cleft weapon of Hallownest. The blade is exquisitly balanced. | |
| Upgrade cost: 800 + 1 Pale Ore
|
Damage: 13 | |
 |
Coiled Nail A powerful weapon of Hallownest, refined beyond all others. | |
| Upgrade cost: 2000 + 2 Pale Ore
|
Damage: 17 | |
 |
Pure Nail The ultimate weapon of Hallownest. Crafted to perfection, this ancient nail reveals its true form. | |
| Upgrade cost: 4000 + 3 Pale Ore
|
Damage: 21 | |
Nail-bouncing
By jumping and slashing down with the Nail on environment jugs, spikes, or enemies, the Knight can bounce. This move, known as "Nail-bouncing" or "pogo-jumping", is useful for fighting enemies and platforming.
In the Fungal Wastes, there are pink mushrooms on which the Knight can Nail-bounce on to bounce higher than usual. They must be used as a platform to access the Mantis Village and other locations before obtaining the Mantis Claw, Monarch Wings, or Isma's Tear.
Aside from these mushrooms, there are a few other times where Nail-bouncing is required:
- To obtain a Vessel Fragment in Deepnest by Nail-bouncing on Garpedes.
- To complete some parts of the White Palace and the
Path of Pain.
Trivia
- Upgrading the Nail does not change its appearance in the Knight's sprites.