@pinnah: As well as I know, this pattern was a typical working knife for farmers here in Europe. Nowadays they are used by gardeners, next to pruning knives keeping the growing of the little plant controlled.
Formaly the german soddies (or as it is said here, I believe Hippeskniep in Solingen dialect). They were made for pure function without. Usually with wooden handles. It might have heard, someone told me, they were friction folders before. Later a backspring was added and a slippie was born. But they are typical for agricultural areas. I can imagine, that have also been used by hunters. I have already seen some Hippesknieps by old traditional german cuterly companies like Böker, Otter, Löwenmesser and so on. I just did some searching through the internet finding good information with a good reputation, but I could find not really much.
Do not put it in the same way as a Hippe is used to be said, that´s a pruning knife or a machete (the bigger ones) here in Europe. Just like this one, also known as "Schweizer Gertel" - it´s a machete for heavy-duty-wood-work
Here is my Schweizer Gertel next to a Soddie by Case - heavy difference in the size
(It is just for showing what we are talking about)
What we know as a Soddie is a Hippeskniep (or Hippekniep).
I try get som more infos about Hippeknieps.
Hope this could help a little
Kind regards
Andi
