History of an iconic Austrian knife

 "A rechta Bua hoat a feitl, feia und a schnua", is an old Bavarian and Austrian saying.  It translates loosely as "a true boy has a jackknife, fire, and some cordage". 

Not long ago it was customary for gents, boys, but also girls and women, not to leave one's home without some basic implements.  My grandma always carried a small kitchen knife, a bit of twine and a lighter in her apron dress. My father carried two knives, twine and a lighter whereever he went, even when just going out onto the property, not to mention my grandfather and granduncle and grandaunt. 

Pocket knives, contrary to popular beliefs, are actually really old.  A knife from Hallstatt  shows striking similarities to really modern pruning knives: 

(Picture from Österreichisch

es Nationalmuseum) 

The knife shown in the picture is dated to the iron age, maybe to the Latène period. 

In the Roman empire, there were simple knives like the aforementioned example, but also far more eloquent pieces: 

(Copyright by Fitzwilliam Museum, https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/image/media-33274) 

The picture shows what is often called a "Roman Swiss Army knife", which is perfectly relateable.  

Other examples from the Roman empire offered a single blade, but a no less eloquent handle.  

(Picture Copyright by https://coriniummuseum.org/object/1980-109-22-2/) 

The knife, which was found during excavations in Bath, offers a rather distinct blade. It could be called a "clip point ", because, well, that presumeably is how it was made.  

The word "Feitl", usually referring to a simple knife with no spring or locking mechanism, might refer to Middle High German "viddelen" (to play on a fiddle, to mess about, to tinker). It might also have sexual implications. We will see later on that there are children's culture rituals that might hint of such an implication. 

(Picture Copyright by Feitlclub Trattenbach) 

Looking at a contemporary example of a typical Feitl from the Trattenbach region in Austria, it bears striking similarities to those examples from Hallstatt and the Roman empire.  Even the blade shape is almost identical to the example from Bath.  Actually there is a huge number of similar pocket knives from the Roman empire with a more or less eloquent handle, but almost identical blades. 

This has something to do with the manufacturing process.  

In the video, you can see that the steel sheets are clipped and the edge line is forged (cold) to shape.  This method is maybe not the most sound way to do it, metallurgically speaking, to put it politely, but there is no mistaking the fact that it really is economically efficient.  We do not know how the Roman knives were forged, but there are few other ways to do it economically efficient than like that, and given that there are a lot of finds from the iron age like that, it is probable they did it in a very similar way.  

Which puts the little knife in a very interesting position. There seems to be some kind of continuity from the Hallstatt period to the 21st century. The thing is, quite possibly the use of a pocket knife has not changed too much. It is safe to say, by the way, that it is part of the things that make up human culture. 

Assuming that the etymology I postulated is correct and hints of the process of "fiddling with something" or "tinkering", it becomes evident why that might be.  It was used for whittling, cutting cordage, making shavings for fire starting, but also for games that hint of an older, maybe folkloristic context.  

There are different blade shapes, too.  

(Picture Copyright by https://www.momentothek-oberwart.at/detail/4868-herr-rudolf-wagner-erzeuger-des-woadafeitl-warter-feitel) 

The knife shown in the picture was made in a different community in Austria, the village of Oberwart, in the year 1954 by one Rudolf Wagner. The handle was made from lacquered horn.  The bolster design bears striking resemblance to another kind of Austrian knives, the often quoted "Drudenmesser" variety.  

And while the Feitl is obviously an utility knife, the use is not always utilitarian.  Several house manuals from the 16th to the 20th century hint of an apotropaeic function of simple utility knives, too.  Means, the eloquent knife handles and speciality blades of the Drudenmesser might have not been exactly cheap.  

(Picture Copyright by https://www.domquartier.at/hintergrundgeschichte/fraisenkette-und-drudenmesser/) 

Often forged and tempered to very specific requirements, some of them sometimes a bit superstitious, the handle made from chamois horn and heavily decorated with inlays, sometimes bone or mother of pearl, silver and brass, a common farmer might have been hard-pressed to afford a knife like that.  Instead, there are also a lot of examples that appear to be decorated after buying.  

The original Trattenbach Feitl was none too shabby, either, though. They were, as opposed to other contemporary pieces, forged from highly refined steel, the so-called "Scharsach" steel, which originally was reserved for weapons, scythes and scissors. 

(Picture Copyright by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Museumsdorf_Trattenbach_Museum_in_der_Wegscheid_14.jpg) 

Those knives were of legendary quality and the edge retention qualities must have been quite outstanding. They were sold far and wide, even to the American colonies where they became known as "penny knives". 

Have a look at Keith's awesome blog for more info: 

http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/2013/02/more-on-clasp-knives.html 

http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/2018/11/more-information-on-penny-knife.html

Also, there are several videos about these knives in the longhunter period in the American colonies. Look at this example: 

These knives were a treasured possession, a staple utility knife and a source of entertainment.

Kids and adults alike in Austria and Bavaria used the knife in several games of blades. In the Trattenbach region there was the game of "Messerln". A half-opened knife was thrown into a wooden chopping block or table or bench from a height of about 50 cm. The one whose knife opened in the process to stand more or less perfectly upright, won. Given the knife is working on friction alone and rather light, this would require technique, a lot of force and finesse, so it was a feat of strength and skills, but also intelligence and coordination.

This doesn't seem in any way special, like many games like that, worldwide, but especially in the Alpine countries. Games like that are, in a way, part of human nature.  

In children's culture rituals in the region, the loser of such a game often got the handle of his knife "intersected", together with mocking, satirical rhymes. This might hint of an older ritualistic background. It is, of course, neigh on impossible to say, but one might be able to postulate a ritual of fertility behind the rustic, but somewhat innocent endeavour.  And of course, to postulate a continuity reaching back to the iron age is outright silly, for lack of evidence. 

The use of even the humblest of utility knives as apotropaion, however, is so well documented for every human culture on earth, that it is almost commonplace. Sigmund Freud also documented the connection between knives and sexual impulses empirically.  

The game quite certainly is reserved for boys and young men. But there are also rituals with a "Feitl " documented for girls. One folk custom is to go out in the night of the winter solstice alone, and without speaking a word, and carving a heart into an evergreen tree with the blade of the Feitl.  Returning home in silence again, it is said that that the would-be bride sees her future husband in her dreams. 

A possible interpretation of the name itself and the action of "fiddling with something" also has some rather rustic sexual connotations. To "fiddle" with a woman is a metaphor for sexual intercourse.  Nowadays, the connection to weather rituals in folk customs doesn't seem obvious, but the connection e.g. between rain and the knife seems no longer too far off if you take into account another etymological interpretation.  In Nether German there still is the term "fiseln/fisseln/fieseln" which refers to a light drizzle. It derives from Old Nether German and Old High German *fîsil/fithîl, which literally means "penis". The German dialect word "pieseln" is a verb  referring to a lighter intensity of urinating, but also to a light drizzle referring to rain. Thing is, Middle High German and Old Nether German *fîthil could become Feitel in Early Modern High German according to Verner's laws of diphtong change. It is of course a rather daft analogy to associate a knife with a penis and a penis with rain or even storm. But even today we call rain names like that in a colloquial or dialect context. 

My theory is getting further emphasis by the existence of folk customs like throwing a knife into the storm with the blade towards the wind in a similar manner as in said game.  Or into the soil in order to attract rain. 

Another custom was to write incantations like AGLA or 

SATOR

AREPO

TENET

OPERA 

ROTAS

on the blade and to stick it into a roof beam in order to fend off evil spirits like Drak and Trud/Drud or the Tut-Ursel, a spirit akin to the Béan-Sídhe, or, more prosaic, lightning strike.  

There are, of course, several more folk customs centered around knives in the Alpine regions, but also the rest of Germany and Austria.  

Any Feitl could be an Apotropaion, not only the more specialized "Drudenmesser", and these customs were followed often until the late 20th century. 

The cult of Mammon-Satan, aka Miltonesque capitalist society, put an end to a lot of these cultural customs and led to a loss of a whole lot of intangible cultural heritage, in a rather prosaic way.  Of several hundred manufacturing sites in Trattenbach, only two still produce the original Trattenbach Feitl on site, and they honestly work to rather modest standards of quality. But in 2015 the process was somewhat slowed, or, hopefully, even halted.  The manufacturing process is now part of the intangible cultural heritage of the UNESCO which is a beacon of hope, so to say. 

Actually, the use of the knife should also become part of that protection.  

What gives me some hope, is that young knifemakers in Austria start to discover the topic, too, without trying to compete for cheap price policies from abroad. 

(Copyright by https://www.kalderum.com/product/87-damaszenerstahl-feitl-alle-verkauft) 

Examples like that might be close to the original image of the original standards of quality, before they became "penny knives ". 

The culprit is, on one hand, this is a knife that really prominently shows the cultural relevance of simple utility knives as an everyday item, but also as a part of our humanity and culture. On the other hand, this is also humbling, because this is, what people carried, who were depending on their tools to a much higher degree, than we modern couch-potatoes can even imagine.  With but a knife like that, flint and steel and a bit of twine, the boys of these times were able to brave the mountains. And maybe it often was making all the difference between thriving and death.  

I do have a lot of fun researching the topic, a right rabbit hole, and maybe that is not the last you have read about it here...😉

Musings on a very old German knife- 1865's Jagdnicker

 One of the oldest and most interesting knives in my collection I only got recently. 

I have been fascinated by the traditional German and Austrian hunting and utility knife, especially the Jagdnicker variety, since I was a kid.  I do have sort of a collection, always with sort of a historical approach. Most quite contemporary pieces, but also several antique pieces.  

This is a really well-preserved piece.  The stag antler is in pristine condition, the handle hasn't come loose and I doubt the blade has ever been sharpened at all.  The patina on the blade is just surface corrosion.  It hints of some kind of refined or crucible steel. 

The handle bolster and buttcap are not cold-pressed, but soldered from sheet metal and decorated with file work. The metal is either low-content silver alloy or nickle silver.  The hand-decorated bolster hints of a pre-1910 origin.

The blade is stamped "Reil". Now that is interesting, for Reil, a small community in the Mosel region in Germany, was producing iron ingots and bars in the local ironforge, from iron ore mined in the vicinity. The bars were then triple refined, amongst other methods, by re-smelting and refining in a neighbouring community, Alf.  The foundries in Reil and Alf produced highly refined steel for the gun manufacturing and weapon industry in the Old Prussian kingdom. Since 1669 there had been a concession for a foundry and mining activities.  Since 1761 the ironforge in Reil was producing raw iron and steel bars for local smithies. The production of highly refined steel took place from about 1816 until the ironforge had to close down in 1871 for economical reasons.  The old smithy in Reil was producing steel goods, gun barrels, and knives and other tools from 1790 until 1871, too.  The house still stands today and was renovated several times and there was a hardware store in it until the late 1970s or later.  Given the knife most definitely is forged from highly refined steel, it probably was made from 1816- 1871.  

The sheath is really well made from half-tanned leather, without a welt, over some kind of model.  It is composed of several layers and feels really sturdy. It is just a cover, though, that is suited for transporting the knife, but little more.  This could be due to a speciality of regional German traditional attire. The trousers of male attire offered a small pouch, especially made for a knife or cutlery set.  This varied regionally, but wasn't limited to the famed "Lederhosen" (leather pants), which actually is not a traditional German attire at all, but an invention of the Bavarian king Max I. Joseph in 1810 for the first Oktoberfest in Munich ("Wies'n"). Bavarian nobility wore those pants when hunting, but common people could never afford them.  As late as 1883 some Bavarian pub mob founded the first "traditional attire club", having extremely short "Lederhosen" tailor-made. As late as 1913, the bishop of Freising condemned them as "work of Satan". Later, maybe exactly for this reason, the new Wandervogel and Bündische Jugend (youth movement) adopted it, maybe as a symbol of rebellion. If you want to get one, it actually is quite a practical piece of garment, made from buckskin, often with a chamois lining. If it molds to your body, it really feels like a second skin. 

The knife pouch on it is really well suited for a knife like this. On a good Lederhosen every single seam and stitch is welted, sometimes double-welted. It keeps the blade in and protects the wearer even if there were no sheath at all (but of course it is much safer with a sheath), and this is one of the reasons (apart from cost-efficiency) those sheaths are often rather simple. 

The butt cap has something to do with the original function of the knife. Originally a hunting knife from a time when hunting was, deriving from Arabian, Syrian, Iraqi and Turkish hunting etiquette, a privilege of nobility, it was used to deliver the "stab of mercy " (coup de grace), accompagnied by a cry of "Halali" (May he rest in peace), deriving from Arabian "Helal/Halal" (lawful, permissive according to Islamic law). The animal, mostly roe deer, red deer and stag, were held by dogs and peasants, the chief hunter or the nobleman himself was putting a hand above the snout, pulling the head towards the chest, therefore exposing the nape of the neck, hence the German name of the knife, "Jagdnicker", deriving from the German term for the neck, "Genick",cognate with German "nicken" (nodding).  You can also find the names "Knicker" or the older "G'nicker" (*Genicker). 

(Picture from:Alfred Fritschi, Kleines Jagdlexikon, J. Neumann-Neudamm Verlag, 1937, pp. 120)

Fun fact, many of these knives share striking similarities with knives like the Persian Kard. Actually, the occasions for such a use were originally relatively rare, and it turned out that this kind of knife was also really practical. Travelling merchants had used a set, together with a fork and awl, since the medieval ages. The knife also has roots in the Messer and Hauswehr variety of knives, so naturally a lot of people had and used them for everyday tasks around the fields and farms, also since the medieval ages.  

One variety of the knife, known as "Drudenmesser" (a knife used against a special kind of witch entities, evil spirits, insomnia, storms and lightning) also served as an apotropaion.  

(Image copyright quoted from sagen.at)

This is a very old and widespread folk custom, with practices maybe transmitted from older beliefs, but in itself rather young.  Iron and iron objects, especially cutting tools like sickles, axes and knives, as apotropaion, are spoken of even as early as by Roman historical sources. We cannot actually know how old the actual folk custom is. Fact is, similar customs in the time period range geographically from Romania, Austria, Germany, Poland, Czechia, Ukraine and Russia to Finland, with different tools.  In Tyrolia and other parts of Austria there were fixed blade as well as folding knives inscribed with apotropaeic inscriptions like "IHS" (Iesus Hominem Salvator), often with nine (half-) moons and nine crosses (crucifixes as well as St. Andrew's crosses), or, more frequently, nine stars and other apotropaeic symbols like the "witch fence" or "witch bar" or even a knot. In Austria there is an incantation:" Nein sterren und nein mo, greifen olla teifen o" (Styria), which translates as "Nine stars and  nine moons attack all devils". 

The use of the knife in the "Halal" Ritual coup de grace might have contributed to the beliefs of the common people, but probably the apotropaeic function of the knife as such is going back to older beliefs. I do want to emphasize, though, that it is a bit difficult to claim a continuity for want of concrete evidence.  It is probable, but it is also very disputeable, since e.g. what little we know of Celtic culture and beliefs is very different from a Christian society of the late medieval ages and early modern times.  

We have a lot of knives with a deduceable apotropaeic function from the 18th and 19th century, but apart from that time period, little to no material evidence of such a custom before that time period.  

On the other hand, well, the knife variety is quite a fascinating topic and a deep cultural heritage.  And in contrast to the beliefs of some altright propaganda, it is not exactly suited for some Blut-und-Boden Nazi mythology. Instead, it is neither. Its cultural influences are complex and hailing from diverse backgrounds. The true story, if we even can call it that way, is even more fascinating for its cultural diversity.  As usual, the cultural aspect of food is one big part of its history.  But most certainly, for a lot of country folk it also was a do-it-all utility tool.  If you browse on Ebay or similar platforms you find a lot of older examples with blades almost used away to small slivers of metal. 

Back to my knife. I am right grateful that it doesn't belong to those examples.  It is a beautiful cutter. In spite of its age, the sharpness and edge retention is amazing.  Out of the box, it shaved right away, even though the former owner said he "had not cleaned it", and most certainly did not sharpen it. Stropping it resulted in hair-splitting properties.  Most probably after 150 years since the last TLC. 

The blade has a distal taper to it. The grind is a high convex bevel to zero. Carving with it takes a bit of practice, because it wants to really dig into the wood. Food prepping is absolutely ace with it.  No wonder that the Jagdnicker variety became the staple knife in German snacking culture (Brotzeit, Vesper). But apart from that, it really does excel at camp work, too. It works different to a Puukko and has some shortcomings compared to that style of knife in a bushcraft setting, or better, needs different technique, but there is no mistaking the fact that it really is a practical style of knife and has been refined since the medieval ages.  

I am really glad to be able to own such fine historical piece. Its story to me is really inspiring, and I love the journey the research on this topic puts me on. 

And let us be clear about one thing, too. Banning knives per se is an attack on the most profound aspects of cultural heritage.  Yes, a knife can be used for really bad things.  But the way to deal with that is education and integration.  The very history of this seemingly very German knife (which it is, only in a way that transcends what propaganda from all sides wants us to believe. It is composed of diverse cultural influences, just like German history is) spells that. Of course it is pointy and deadly sharp. On the other hand, it mostly played and still plays a really prominent role in German hospitality, good food, good products and local goods. Being able to create stuff, repair things, prepare meals. Get the gist? 

The trade of the knifemaker is on the intangible heritage list of the UNESCO for a reason. A ban on knives is an attack on the trade of the knifemakers worldwide. Even to date, the skills that made such a knife, have been lost, maybe for good. So an attack on the cultural heritage might be deduced as to be an attempt not only to breach international law, or at least, international cultural consent and might even go as far as being an attack on the concept of humanity as such. I do not want to state that, of course, because I cannot even investigate, let alone prove such an intent. But you do not need to rely on this here weirdo's opinion alone. 

"In light of the various threats facing living traditions and cultural diversity globally, the first step is to raise awareness of the invaluable significance of such diverse intangible cultural heritage as a guarantee for sustainable development and cultural exchange. " (https://www.unesco.at/en/culture/intangible-cultural-heritage/the-unesco-convention)

This knife in itself is the epitome of sustainability.  Naturally so.  Noone threw it away when its blade got some stains.  It is 150 years old.  This alone is cultural relevance.  

"Intangible cultural heritage is characterised by its recognition as part of a common cultural heritage; it forms identity through shared experiences and memories. Although they are frequently understood as rigidly conserved and passed-on attitudes, living traditions arise through the change which makes them useful for new generations and life situations. All people, in particular the younger generations, should have the opportunity to set the parameters for “sustainable development” themselves. It is precisely this creative and self-determined process of transmitting and adjusting that characterises living traditions."

So, what might be the threats that are imposed upon intangible cultural heritage worldwide? 

"Threats to the transmission of this living heritage come from such factors as social and demographic changes that reduce intergenerational contacts, for instance from migrations and urbanisation that often remove people from their knowledgeable elders, from the imposition of formal education systems that devalue traditional knowledge and skills, or from intrusive mass media. The response to such threats must come from the communities and groups concerned, assisted by local organizations, their governments and the international community as represented in the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH.

UNESCO’s efforts are aimed at assisting States wishing to strengthen existing transmission systems within communities, or to complement these with formal or non-formal education programmes teaching skills and knowledge to other, usually younger, community members."

Formal education systems that devalue traditional knowledge and skills and intrusive mass media, urbanization, and a lack of intergenerational transaction sounds like a Miltonesque  capitalist 's wet dream, though it is doubtful whether this is still capitalism. For capitalism is not a bad thing per se, of course.

On the other hand, repairing things, traditional farming or trades of craft are not welcomed in highly capitalistic society, for obvious reasons.  Corruption is another factor, and while it is not as bad as one might suspect, according to studies by Transparency International, the average ranking in Europe is 65 on a scale from 0(highly corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_in_Germany). In Germany, the index lies at 78, pun intended.  As I said, not as bad as one might suspect, but not as good, either.  Because democracy is at threat when just one politician is bought and gets into a position where (for the most part) he can push through an agenda. 

Knives are increasingly used for really bad things.  But the culprit is, if kids associate a knife with hurting or even killing people, no matter if they are advocating such a use or are afraid of such a use against them.  

Well, the solution to the problem, or at least, part of it, is relatively simple. If you do not talk about knives with your kids, someone else will.  If they exclusively see a knife as a weapon because you told them, they will use it as a weapon. If you do not speak at all about knives, they will talk to their peers, who see it as a weapon. 

Keep in mind that the transmission of cultural heritage is not encouraged in our society. Our society is not centered around sustainability. Means, chance is, there is not that oft-quoted old conker with a pocket knife teaching kids how to whittle a stick or peel an apple instead of using a knife as an artifact of power as in a video game.

The other aspect of the problem is that there is an immense pressure on youth today. They either get rich or have no perspective at all. Without sympathizing with the phenomenon, the mass shooter just thinks this societal  pressure through consequentially. Actually the mass shooter understands the process of competition completely, but fails to understand the necessity for cooperation as completely as he eliminates his competition really efficiently.  Of course, in most cases, this is a mental disorder, but a mental disorder that is endemic to our current understanding of capitalism.  

To be frank, our society is toxic and narcisstic.  About 40% of all brokers in Germany are suffering from a clinical narcisstic or psychopathic mental disorder. This phenomenon can be witnessed with political positions as well as in society in general.  As an example, see 

  https://www.manager-magazin.de/hbm/fuehrung/narzissmus-in-deutschen-fuehrungsetagen-die-jungbullen-kommen-a-0ee3251e-0002-0001-0000-000177064950

Connection is the opposite of overcompetition.  The often quoted old conker might not be the fastest or the most efficient worker, but she or he has things to give.  If you have patience with her or his shortcomings, you can not only learn the merely technical aspects of cultural heritage, but also patience, and therefore, empathy.  Empathy is the epitome of a working society. If you have empathy with another human being, you will not stick her or him with the pointy end.  It really is that simple. 

Again, empathy and solidarity are not encouraged in our society.  

You want cultural heritage passed on? Be a rebel.  

Use your knives for having good food with people, create nice things, love what you have, but also treasure it. First and foremostly, try to understand empathy. 

And don't be as absurd as I am, writing pamphlets on a Google platform. Because these corporations play a huge part in estranging and disconnecting us from each other. Maybe a Blog a little less than Tiktok or other platforms, but still.  

I want to emphasize, though, that this knife is not controversial to me.  It is something good from a time with more empathy and little joys. I will write more about the cultural aspect of German knives from way back then in order to give you some more insight on what I mean, for I fear, it is not that simple a topic.  In the meantime, have fun for yourself, but also for others. If you meet some old conker, ask him as many questions as he will permit. Most will share their knowledge readily. 

All the best, and take care!