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 legendary firm of Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik, 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% still intact, showing some wear through on the obverse pommel from the retaining strap, as well as overall light wear.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by solid nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is some worked in dirt and wear to the checkering, but no cracks or other major issues. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel fully intact. The plating has worn off the brass borders, which have oxidized to a lovely patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is a bit loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good service used condition, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no long raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and has well defined edges, though cleaning has worn away all of the original darkening. It has been cleaned numerous times to remove light surface oxidation, so the original factory final grind crossgrain is no longer visible. We can see that it has been sharpened multiple times, which has altered the shape a bit so it has less of a "leaf" shape, and it also has lost some length. There are also some areas of light peppering, which we have left intact to preserve the history.

This fine example was produced by Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik, the legendary edged weapon maker from Solingen, Germany, and is marked with their trademark "Seated Squirrel" double oval logo. The rear of the dagger is marked:

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered type, with a black enamel paint finish and leather belt loop. The finish is very well retained at about 80%, with no signs of having been repainted in the past. There is some checking and crazing due to age, as well as wear through on the bottom area around the tip, but no dents or major issues from misuse. The leather belt loop is present, and in good condition. The finish is worn, with the surface showing dry rot in areas, but it is still pliable and the snap on the securing loop is intact and functional.

A lovely service used HJ Knife with a very nice early pattern blade by the most famous of all Solingen makers! In great collectible condition and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 5/8”
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!