A question on German knife blade length...

S

SPRINGTIME

Joined
Oct 21, 2006
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Hello! This is my very first post on here. Anyone know exactly what year the German law on blade length for automatics was first put into effect? It would help me date a springer I picked up not to long ago. It's got a four inch blade on it, and marked West Germany. Thanks for any info.
 
I believe it was about 1982.....I had heard that was the date and I first saw examples of them around 1984-5. Always remember two things: that law only applied to knives sold for USE in Germany and full lenght blades could still be made for export; second, the Germans did not make ANY of the Italian style knives themselves, these were all made under contract by Italian companies who put the German name on them. This is know by all serious collectors, and in the case of dateing a knife by the change in blade lenght, you may not be using a good method. There are several other things to look for instead. Post a few pictures if possible....things that indicate age are brass lined ears, thickness of blade, false edge, picklock vs swivrl bolster release, etc....
 
Thanks a great deal, Tom. I've been a colector now for about seven years, and in fact one very interesting keeper that I have is a Herbertz red dot lockback with double layered kick spring, obviously of Italian origin. The knife in question however is Weidmansheil made by Weltersbach. This is a springer, also known as a lever action, very similar to the Hubertus Slim line hunter, but with a blade 1/2 inch longer. At least the West Germany marking tells me it was made before the wall came down, but probably sooner then the mid 70's due to its etching style. I do know that the company has closed its doors. It's a shame, it's a beutiful knife.Thanks for the info on the date, it is a clue. I'll post a few pix once I get a decent camera. I got cleaned out with my devorce this year, but at least I still have all my knives.
 
I'll check it out. I'm very much into American also,and just about anything else, just not so much the new stuff. By that I mean construction methods.
 
The Weidmannsheil mark is still being used by Klaas. These knives are not the quality of the Weltersbachs.
Bill
 
Thanks Bill! Would you know if the Robert Klaas co. is still making springers? as far as any I've ever seen, at least older ones, they seemed good. I know that at this point at least Linder is putting there name on some of the Italian ones.
 
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