Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Rare Maker E. Knecht & Co. of Solingen with Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition early HJ National Youth Organization Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by the rare firm E. Knecht & Co., Stahwarenfabrik of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in very good condition, with over 80% intact, showing some small areas of wear and oxidation. The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in great condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel mostly intact. The plating has worn off the brass, which now has a mellow patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is a bit loose and raised up, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) on the blade is present, though the factory dark frosted finish has worn away, and the edges are a bit worn. The blade definitely shows signs of use and cleaning, with the factory final polish grind cross grain almost completely removed, with just a bit near the ricasso. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade has been sharpened, most likely several times, and it has lost a bit of length and width. There is some staining on both sides, now polished away. It has the great look of an honest used knife, and the blade is currently somewhat sharp.

This very nice early example was produced by very rare maker E. Knecht & Co., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware factory), located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. The rear of the knife is marked with the company's trademark "Two Deer's Heads" logo, with the maker abberviation:

(Deer's Heads Logo)
K. & Co.
SOLINGEN
GES. GESCHÜTZT

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this metalworking business was founded in 1905 and registered with Solingen Authorities on September 26th, 1906. The company started out making carving knives, cutlery, and hunting knives, but by the 1920s were making scissors, shears, and clamps. They were not a high volume producer, and used this trademark style on "Walking out" bayoents and on some first pattern HJ knives. This only the second edged weapon of any kind that we have had by this maker.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the Ges. Geschützt, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is still in place, showing wear from use.

The scabbard shell is a typical tapered example with original black enamel paint, which is retained at over 90%, much better than we usually see! There is some chipping on the front, and both sides show some crazing and checking, which is more apparent on the front. This type of texture takes decades to occur, and indicates that it has not been refinished. We did notice that the scabbard is bent a bit, and there is a wide flat pressure dent on the front side, which does not interfere with sheathing the blade. The brown leather belt loop is intact and very nice, though the finish on the securing strap is mostly flaked away. The snap still works but we recommend extreme care as the leather is definitely a bit delicate.

A wonderful HJ Knife by a VERY rare maker with a very nice early pattern blade in great collectible condition! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/2”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” with belt loop

AH believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (AH Jugend) was formed officially in 1935, and with the exception of NSDAP ideology indoctrination was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (AH Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization. The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed minor exams. The knives had nickeled hilts with black checkered grip plates. The obverse plate was fitted with an enameled HJ swas insignia. Through 1937, these knives were etched with the motto of the organization, Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!). Examples produced after this date were made with plain blades usually bearing an RZM marking.

The HJ Leaders were professionals in charge of the training and NSDAP education of the German Youth. They wore a special dagger consisting of silvered hilt fittings with blue-black leather-covered scabbard. The grip was composed of tightly wrapped silver wire, over a wood base. The pommel cap featured an HJ diamond on top, complete with swas. The upper scabbard fitting portrayed an open-winged HJ eagle with swas cut into the bird's chest. The blade was etched with the HJ motto, Blut und Ehre!