Hitler Jugend Fahrtenmesser (Hitler Youth knife)

The Hitler Youth knife (Hitler-Jugend Fahrtenmesser) was a standard utility and camping knife issued to male members of the Hitler Youth, a paramilitary organization for young people in Nazi Germany. It was a development of a traditional German scouting knife pattern and served to indoctrinate boys with Nazi ideology and train them for future military service.
The knife featured a broad, single-edged, hunting-style blade, a metal hilt, and checkered black plastic or bakelite grips. It came with a black metal scabbard and leather belt loop. A prominent feature was a diamond-shaped enamel or inlaid insignia embedded in the grip, displaying the Hitler Youth logo: a black swastika on a red and white background. Early versions of the knife, produced until around August 1938, often had the motto "Blut und Ehre!" (Blood and Honor!) etched onto the blade. Later knives omitted this inscription.
RZM Markings: Most authentic wartime knives bear the "RZM" (ReichZeugMeisterei) quality control mark on the blade, along with manufacturer codes (e.g., M7/42) and sometimes a year of production. The RZM office was responsible for approving the design and consistency of all official Third Reich equipment. Boys had to pass certain physical tests (a "courage test") to earn the right to carry the dagger, making it a powerful tool for propaganda and a source of pride within the organization

This Item:
This is an early Hitler Youth knife, from before the RZM period made by W.K.C company (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie) from Solingen, with the well-known hand-engraved motto "Blut und Ehre!" still prominently visible on the blade. The blade is in very good (uncleaned) condition and has never been sharpened. The Bakelite handles show no cracks or chips. The enamel HJ diamond shows the usual signs of wear but is undamaged. The sheath is in very good condition, with some flash rust at the tip. The hanger is originally mounted, and the loop with button has been replaced at some point. The nickel-plated parts on the crossguard and pommel are worn. Overall condition: an early and original, undamaged HJ knife with a wonderfully beautiful blade featuring the original engraving. Because the nickel plating has some wear from age, it is competitively priced.