(Gustav Emil) ERN - Schlieper Contract Knife??

[keithw]

I bought a knife marked ERN Solingen Germany a few days ago. The seller said that it was made by German Eye.
I contacted him and asked about it and he said that Jim Sargent told him that it was.
He also had an Eye Brand knife in auction that was EXACTLY like the ERN knife except for the tang stamps (and blade etch), so I guess it is.
I can't find any info on Gustav Emil Ern knives except that they are noted for kitchen knives. I also found a few fixed blade knives, but no folders.
Anyone have any info on ERN folders?
Below are a few of his pics. (I emailed and asked for permission/forgiveness for using them).

[gmusic]

I'm not a German Eye knife collector, but I know a good knife when I see one!

Very nice!

[muskrat man]

Good knife but I highly doubt it's germa eye contract. I bought the actual eye he had listed. For a song too I might add I'll take some comparison photos of a similar sized eye. Most German knives look the same to an extent anyway (bone color, jig pattern, pull styles ect) but there are some minute differences that can be noted . The blade profiles are off a bit from an eye and that particular shield pattern I've never seen used on an eye. I'll get some pics later. Just in from the shop, need food and a shower. Then I can settle down with some knives at the camera

[muskrat man]

Here's a similar sized ( 3 1/2") German eye.




A line up of sizes 3 1/4" through 5 1/2"


These are the various shield schlieper used on the different sizes and era of stockmans they made.

[keithw]

M-M,

I bow to your experience, but I am confused. Below are the pics from the auction of the German Eye knife, and it looks almost identical to the ERN knife (to me anyway).
Can you shed some light on it for me?
Thanks!
Keith

[muskrat man]

Keith, wrong picture. He used the ERN knife picture for the shlieper ad too. Note in the additional pictures the difference in overall profile, fit of the bone, location of the pull and shape of the shield. I also emailed the seller and inquired to the length of the german eye. his response: "It is 4 3/4" long in the closed position".

[keithw]

M-M,
Yep, you're right. I should have looked closer.
Hopefully there won't be any "surprises" when I get my ERN knife.
Thanks again,
Keith

[keithw]

Well, I received my ERN knife yesterday.
I think MM is correct (as usual), I can't really say how or why, but it just doesn't feel like an Eye brand knife.
The snap is a little weaker than the old Eyes that I have.
If I had to make a WAG, I would say that I think it was made by Boker.
I'm still pretty happy with it though.
Keith