Knicker, Jagdknicker, German Hunting Knife, Heidelberg, Rostfrei

This type of hunting knife is typically Germanic, it is called Nicker, Knicker, Jagdnicker, Nickfänger, Geneckfänger (= neck catcher) ... The name has a very specific origin. This type of knife was intended to finish off a wounded animal to shorten its suffering, by vigorously inserting the blade into the nape of the neck, above the Atlas vertebra, this first cervical vertebra also being called Nicker, because it allows you to nod your head (knick = bend). This stabbing, which had to be immediately fatal, required great experience and sureness of movement. This knife was carried in a side pocket of the traditional leather shorts (lederhosen) which were later called "knickers"
These knives, almost always mounted with a deer horn handle, are typical of Germanic culture. A large number were also unfortunately used in the trenches during the First World War, since the inhabitants of rural areas were almost all hunters and had taken their usual knife with them.
BLADE: it is a robust, single-edged blade, characteristic of the model, adapted to the initial use intended for these hunting knives. On one side, we find the inscription "ROSTFREI SOLINGEN" which therefore specifies the place of manufacture of the weapon, as well as the stainless quality of the steel. This mention "rostfrei" appearing in the years 1900-1910, we can therefore date this weapon from the very beginning of the 20th century. We can also read HEIDELBERG, and a partly erased name "Ack..." which is obviously the name of the cutler who sold this knife in the famous university town on the banks of the Neckar. So we are in the presence of one of the first German stainless steel blades, made in Solingen and sold by a cutler from Heidelberg.
Blade length = 9 cm, width 1.8 cm, thickness 3.8 cm, traces of old sharpening. The blade is connected to the handle by a conical part in white metal.
GRIP : it is made of deer antler, natural taken at the base of the wood. It shows a nice patina.
SCABBARD : it is made of stitched leather. Scabbard entry and chape in white metal.
The weapon is typical of the Germanic tradition, and any self-respecting hunter will enjoy carrying it, even if he intends to use it for more prosaic purposes...
Shipping costs France and Europe 20€
Ref 4Y-0714