Nail and Nail Arts in Hollow Knight is the primary weapon used by the game's protagonist, The Knight. It is also seen to be equipped by some enemies, bosses, and NPCs in the kingdom of Hallownest. This page will provide you an overview of the type of Nail that can be upgraded along with Nail Arts that is later on acquired as you progress through the game.
Hollow Knight Nail and Nail Arts
Nail
Nail is the primary weapon of The Knight, by default, players will start off with the Old Nail and later can be upgraded into four different tiers by speaking to the Nailsmith in the City of Tears. In doing so, the Nailsmith will require The Knight to provide him with sufficient 
Geo and Pale Ore in order to upgrade it - this will increase the damage done of melee attacks. With regards to this, certain Charms can also be equipped in order to gradually top-up the overall damage of the Nail.
Nail Arts
Nail Arts are abilities that The Knight can acquire by learning it from Nailmasters. These are abilities that deliver an even stronger attack than the melee attacks dealt by the Nail - depending on the type of Nail Art, some deal with multiple damages, or requires the player to charge the ability in order to deliver a single blow. The damage of the Nail Art also depends on the type of Nail that is equipped or upgraded as well as Charms that can also change certain effects such as damage and charge time.
Hollow Knight Nail
The Nail in Hollow Knight can be upgraded into 4 tiers by approaching the Nailsmith in the City of Tears - sufficient Geo and Pale Ore are needed to acquire the upgraded Nail. Certain Charms can also be equipped in order to strengthen the overall damage of The Nail.
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| Damage | Requirement/s |
| 5 | Default Weapon |
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| Damage | Requirement/s |
| 9 | 250 |
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| Damage | Requirement/s |
| 13 | 800, 1 Pale Ore |
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| Damage | Requirement/s |
| 17 | 2000, 2 Pale Ore |
Hollow Knight Nail Arts
Nail Arts in Hollow Knight can be acquired by locating three different Nailmasters in certain locations and by interacting with them. The overall damage of the Nail Arts depends on the type of Nail that is equipped. Some Charms that is equipped can also change certain effects such as damage and charge time.
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| Acquisition: | Learned from Nailmaster Mato. | |||
| Location: | Howling Cliffs | |||
| Old Nail: | 21-49 Damage | |||
| Sharpened Nail: | 36-84 Damage | |||
| Channelled Nail: | 51-119 Damage | |||
| Coiled Nail: | 66-154 Damage | |||
| Pure Nail: | 81-189 Damage | |||
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition: | Learned from Nailmaster Oro and 800. |
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| Location: | Kingdom's Edge | |||
| Old Nail: | 12.5 Damage | |||
| Sharpened Nail: | 22.5 Damage | |||
| Channelled Nail: | 32.5 Damage | |||
| Coiled Nail: | 42.5 Damage | |||
| Pure Nail: | 52.5 Damage | |||
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| Acquisition: | Learned from Nailmaster Sheo. | |
| Location: | Greenpath | |
| Old Nail: | 12.5 Damage | |
| Sharpened Nail: | 22.5 Damage | |
| Channelled Nail: | 32.5 Damage | |
| Coiled Nail: | 42.5 Damage | |
| Pure Nail: | 52.5 Damage | |
