Another rugged and very traditional German pocket knife- El. Herder Hippekniep

This is a very traditional knife from Solingen.  In Solingen it is called a Hippekniep or Notschlachter (emergency butcher's knife), but it has seen worldwide recognition.  In the US and UK it is called Sodbuster, in France it is known as a "Mineur". 

At http://fimbulmyrk.blogspot.com/2023/04/some-thoughts-on-traditional-knife.html 

I have already written about its possible historical roots. Suffice to say right now that it is a rather interesting knife and an integral part of the working man's culture. Typically a solid tool, but often with a quality on the somewhat rustic side of bling, so to say, but nearly indestructeable.

Which was actually a necessity given its intended use. It was often a farming and mining tool and an often heavily abused resident of the tackle box. 

At the moment, fortunately, there is a push towards preserving the tradition of making these wonderful tools in the city of Solingen, with some manufacturers offering wonderful quality. This is a really good thing. On the other hand, there is a certain inherent danger of this tool to become more of a fashion accessory than a working man's tool..

It took me some time to find one that had the old "tool character" , but I did. 

The knife is made by a very traditional producer of kitchen knives and tableware, El. Herder (Tucan). The blade is made from high carbon steel. I could not get detailed informations, but I estimate the hardness to 56-59HRC and guess it might be C75 or C80.  The sister corporation, Robert Herder (Windmühlen) uses C80. It is made in a traditional "glazing" technique. The grind is really clean. It has a longer ricasso than my other Hippeknieps. The length of the blade is 92 mm, thickness is 2,5 mm tapering towards 2.2 mm in the tip.  Thickness above the edge is 0,5 mm. Edge angle is 15-20°. Out of the box, it shaved, but did not come hair-popping sharp. I fixed that in no time, however.  

It comes with a really strong Slipjoint spring, made from carbon steel, most certainly C45. Stay is really great, as with most traditional Hippeknieps.  Walk is smooth except for some strange clicking sound near the root of the blade. There is no play whatsoever and no tolerances between root and spring. Talk is really distinct and affirmative.  You can really subject the knife to hard work without too much fear that it might accidentally close up on you accidentally. Of course it is still a Slipjoint and no prybar, but for sensible work it really does leave little to be desired. 

The scales are some kind of tropical hardwood (maybe Teak), certified for sustainability. They are a lot tougher than the oak scales on my other Hippekniep. The pivot and the pins are made from steel. The liners are made from steel, too, presumeably mild steel, almost 1 mm thick each. The pivot is peened over brass washers, and I guess, it could be adjusted, should any play occur. Everything rock solid, almost overbuilt. The scales came a bit dry, but really smooth and round.  No hot spots whatsoever. Carving with it for hours on end is really great and puts little stress on your hands.  

The blade is not quite centered in the handle when closed, but given it costs 26,32€, and is still hand- made in Germany, that is not too much of a problem. 

The knife really excels at most work around the house and garden, snacking, food prepping, harvesting herbs and mushrooms and even whittling and spooncarving. I modified the grind to a 20° total, 10° each and it is now hair-splitting sharp, too. It keeps an edge well and can be stropped to razor sharp in no time with household items.  

This knife is not a knife made for collectors or leisure users.  It was produced for the requirements of industry and professional users.  It has a rugged charme to it, and, compared to other Hippeknieps for leisure activities it is not that highly polished and has its shortcomings, but also comes at a fraction of the price of other models. You can make it your own and have to, actually. 

On the other hand, it is a really honest knife. It is a really rugged build with that potential of becoming more beautiful with patina and use, like that knife of your Gramps. 

You can get it here: https://solinger-messer.de/collections/messer

They also make a smaller version, legal even in the UK, and billhook pruning pocket knives.  

For bushcraft, wildcrafting, food prepping and garden work, you can not go wrong with these knives, given you do not expect the knife to be perfectly aligned or polished. 

Thanks for dropping by, have fun and take care!