Hitler Youth Knife – Unknown Maker

Product Description: This is a very handsome, representative example of a Hitler Youth knife. It’s a later example that never had a motto on the blade. The blade has normal surface marks, shows some use and age and some gray spotting, and still comes to a sharp point. The fit on this example is perfect throughout. The manufacturer code on the blade is absent, likely the result of the original RZM mark having been lightly applied in the first place, and then removed in the course of cleaning and polishing over the years. The original black leather buffer pad is intact. The handle is made of steel, and retains more than 95 percent of the original bright nickel plated finish. The black Bakelite grip plates are flawless, with no damage, and are firmly held in place with the original two zinc rivets. The HJ diamond emblem in the grip shows some age patina, but no damage to the enamel. It does move slightly when pushed, as is correct. The steel based scabbard on this Hitler Youth knife remains completely dent free and retains at least 80 percent of its original black enamel paint. The folded black leather belt strap is worn, and the rivet used to affix the handle retaining strap to the belt strap has been lost to time. Despite the missing rivet, the handle retaining strap as well as the belt loop remain complete and functional. The snap on the handle retaining strap works well. This is a very attractive example, all original, and displays great.

Historical Description:  The Hitler Youth Knife (Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser) was introduced in the summer of 1933, shortly after the Nazi seizure of power in Germany. It was produced by a multitude of manufacturers, and could be purchased from authorized shops for a price of 4 Reichsmarks. It was used not only as a dress sidearm, but as a functional camping tool, and these were commonly sharpened by their original owners. The earliest examples bore the motto of the Hitler Youth, “Blut und Ehre!” (Blood and Honor), etched on the blade. The blades on these early knives were marked with commercial manufacturer logos. They had nickel silver handles, and anodized metal scabbards. The use of the etched motto was discontinued in August, 1938. Later HJ knives had nickel plated steel handles, painted scabbards, and the maker logos were replaced with an RZM code along with the year of manufacture. There are also transitional types that still have the etched motto, but have dates on the blade ricasso. Manufacture of these knives is believed to have ceased around 1942. All HJ knives have the diamond emblem of the Hitler Youth on the handle.

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