A "prison shank" is a makeshift weapon commonly found in correctional facilities. It is typically crafted from everyday items, such as metal or plastic, and is designed for stabbing or slashing. Inmates often create these weapons for self-defense, protection, or to assert dominance within the prison environment. The creation and use of prison shanks highlight the challenges of maintaining safety and order in prisons. Authorities work to prevent the manufacturing of such weapons through searches and surveillance, but the resourcefulness of inmates often complicates these efforts.