Abstract: An apparatus for producing a blow-molded article including a mold having operable die pieces and a passage through at least one of the die pieces for receiving the needle. The needle includes a tubular portion and a cutting tip atop the tubular portion. The cutting tip has three or more blades terminating into a point. The tubular portion has one or more passages communicating with a source of pressurized fluid. The needle is operated to pierce a parison. The arrowhead-tipped needle is used in a method of manufacturing a blow-molded article. A hollow parison is placed within a cavity of a mold. The mold is closed about the parison and a needle is moved to pierce the parison. The needle penetrates the parison and forms flap sections in the parison. The needle tip pushes the flap sections inwardly within the parison.