Shiv (Cuchilla)

Shiv is a WeaponCrafted item that weighs 0.5 kg. Most likely found in: drug lab, drug shack, survivor cache. Used in 3 recipes. It can be crafted.

Data taken from the game files: Project Zomboid 42.21.0 · updated on 2026-10-01

Tips

Best place to look: drug lab (counter).
Loses its edge with use and can be sharpened again.
It is a tool in 3 recipes: it is not consumed when crafting, though it can wear down.
Researching it (right-click → Research) teaches you: Forge Simple Blade.

Place	Container	Chance	Loot table
drug lab	counter	uncommon	`DrugShackWeapons`
drug lab	overhead cabinet	uncommon	`DrugShackWeapons`
drug shack	other	uncommon	`DrugShackWeapons`
survivor cache	counter	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
survivor safehouse	counter	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
survivor safehouse	cardboard box	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
survivor safehouse	crate	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
survivor safehouse	metal shelves	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
survivor safehouse	small box	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
survivor safehouse	wardrobe	uncommon	`MeleeWeapons`
derelict house	other	rare	`DerelictHouseCrime`
derelict steel mill	other	rare	`DerelictHouseCrime`
prison cells	other	very rare	`PrisonCellRandom`
prison laundry	dryer	very rare	`PrisonLaundry`
prison laundry	clothing rack	very rare	`PrisonLaundry`

And 5 more places with lower odds.

You can also find it by foraging (right-click the ground → Forage), in the category JunkWeapons.

Recipe	As	Result
Sharpen Blade	tool	–
Sharpen Blade Poorly with File	tool	–
Sharpen Blade with Grindstone	tool	–

Recipe	You need
Make Shiv Maintenance 1 taught by Magazine: The Cheapskate's John Spiral - Prison Defense	1× Butter Knife or other 1× Improvised Whetstone or other (tool) 1× Burlap Piece or other