Vaughan, Simply put: There are some limited exceptions, but the fact is that after a certain date political daggers to include HJ knives were permanently marked on their blades with RZM codes. And the use of paper tags for ID purposes really was referring to items like those made of cloth which could not be etched or stamped. With paper tags on hard goods being supplemental in nature.

Having myself on occasion been caught short using generalizations I understand Houston�s point of view regarding the use of the word �never�. Which can sometimes get you in trouble because many Third Reich artifacts sometimes seem to have a fair number of legitimate variants. However, I also think that it�s fair statement that the (so-called) �DJ� knives as a group seem to have aluminum rivets which is not seen as a group with the HJ knives. And for myself making a distinction between the �plain jane� knives. And those with fancy grips or embellished scabbards and/or glued or mechanically attached National Socialist insignia. Which brings us to the crux of the matter

While not common, I�ve seen period photographs of Hitler Youth members with what looked like ordinary hunting knives (but not the �DJ� knives). But instead of trying to prove that �DJ� knives (in all their manifestations) are or were not period Hitler Youth/NSDAP approved issue - which has resulted in some fairly long discussions in the past. I would like to see one of the knive�s proponents (or anyone) do the opposite. And provide a period photograph or photographs showing a �DJ� knife (plain or embellished) in use. Or a period sales catalog. Or a price list. Or any other kind of period documentation that could prove the point that the small hiking knives were worn by any of the Hitler Youth groups in any capacity. My point being that over a period of time I have seen a number of previously believed �facts� (opinions) fall by the side as the body of knowledge is expanded. Disproving some early held theories/opinions that tried to explain some misunderstood phenomena. Which (regrettably) on occasion sometimes included fakes. Regards, FP