E.Dirlam, Solingen “HIKENIFE”

[Drum4fun]

$3 survivor “HIKENIFE”, made by E.Dirlam , Solingen , Germany. Plaigirized data indicates circa 1900-1920. Unsure of relationship to J. Dirlam and Sons , Solingen , Germany ( founded 1856 ). Carbon steel main blade broken in half, bolster and scale missing. Unsure of purpose of the unusual punch type blade ,
Bride thinks possibly for some type of sewing repair in the field ?
I am a sucker for these bits of history . It will be displayed “ as is “ in the man cave.
I cleaned and lubed and sharpened the surviving blade to get it ready for its photo op. It was in rough shape.

https://imgur.com/a/xTTLIa3

 

[afishhunter]

Looks like a leather hole punch blade next to the punch/reamer/awl? I Can't think what else the sharpened(?) tube blade would be for.
Neat knife.

EDIT:
Photo 4 makes it look like the tube might be a whistle?

 

[Arathol]

If its 100 or so years old those tools are probably for leather tack repair. Awl for sewing leather, a hole punch for buckles, belts etc.

 

[Drum4fun]

Fellas I thought similar but hole / port on top of the tube does not have a cutting edge. As to whistle …also discussed / attempted … no sound.
I agree … most likely for leather work of some kind … was hoping the experts here would know what it is used for and the nomenclature. Thanks … I’ll keep researching .

 

[Badger28]

Cigar punch maybe?

 

[Johnnythefox]

Very nice knife,my theorys where all the same as above.

 

[Will Power]

Very interesting item, it would be worth getting another piece of scale attached, perhaps smooth bone?

As for the mystery tool, I wonder if it's complete? Is something missing? Looks like some kind of gouge or tester perhaps? But it doesn't look sharp.

Worth showing this in Levine's thread, there are a number of collectors there with a wealth of knowledge - of the serious sort rather than the chattering kind...

Thanks, Will

 

[JohnDF]

It's a leather hole punch. It's made to punch a hole, and then it clears the leather circles out the top hole as they stack up inside.

 

[Johnnythefox]

It's a leather hole punch. It's made to punch a hole, and then it clears the leather circles out the top hole as they stack up inside.

That's what I thought.

 

[The Zieg]

It's a leather hole punch. It's made to punch a hole, and then it clears the leather circles out the top hole as they stack up inside.

And leather punches can dull to the point they don't look like they could ever have cut even Jell-O.

Zieg

 

[JohnDF]

And leather punches can dull to the point they don't look like they could ever have cut even Jell-O.

Zieg

But they can be sharpened back up, just like any cutting tool.
My bigger concern about having a "punch" on this knife, they usually have to be hammered through the leather... that can't be good for the knife.

 

[btb01]

But they can be sharpened back up, just like any cutting tool.
My bigger concern about having a "punch" on this knife, they usually have to be hammered through the leather... that can't be good for the knife.

Maybe you’re meant to hold the knife in a fist and literally punch it through the leather. (May affect neatness/accuracy.)

 

[Arathol]

Maybe you’re meant to hold the knife in a fist and literally punch it through the leather. (May affect neatness/accuracy.)

Nope.... Open it fully (90° to the handle) then use it like a cork screw.

 

[btb01]

Nope.... Open it fully (90° to the handle) then use it like a cork screw.

That’s what I meant, handle in your fist with the tool sticking between your middle two fingers. Of course the punching part was a joke. Should’ve included one of these or these . Or this…