The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BODKIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
O
D
K
I
N
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Such a means to an end barely contemplated by Hamlet" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case such a means to an end barely contemplated by hamlet = bodkin.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BODKIN mean?
BODKIN noun- A small sharp pointed tool for making holes in cloth or leather.
- A blunt needle used for threading ribbon or cord through a hem or casing.
- A hairpin.
- A dagger.
- A type of long thin arrowhead.
- A sharp tool, like an awl, formerly used for pressing down individual type characters letters from a column or page in making corrections.
- A multifunctional tool for pinning cloaks at the nape of the neck used also as a decorative hairpin or as a sewing instrument.
- Closely wedged between two people.