All About Pocket Knives

This rare multi-functional "gentleman's knife" from the late 19th to early 20th century is an exceptional example of German craftsmanship. Such items, combining status and utility, were popular among the wealthy classes of that era. Manufactured by J.E. Dittert & Co., the piece bears their distinctive trademark: an ancient triangular spirit level, signifying precision and quality.

Technical and Historical Overview:
The knife features high-carbon steel blades and springs, housed within elegant mother-of-pearl scales adorned with a silver shield. This complex tool was designed for the sophisticated Edwardian or Victorian gentleman, combining everyday utility with luxury.

Tool Composition:
This piece features a highly specialized array of tools tailored to the needs of an Edwardian-era gentleman:

• Cutting Tools:

Five distinct blades, including a 4.7 cm master blade and a specialized hawkbill (sickle) blade.

• Grooming Essentials:

Integrated scissors and a nail file with a pointed cleaner tip.

• Personal Accessories:

A small 1.5 cm corkscrew and "hidden" tools beneath the scales—a natural tortoiseshell toothpick and tweezers with a silver-tipped grip.

• Horological and Technical Tools:

A dedicated watch key for winding mechanical pocket watches and a unique hollow cylindrical punch. The discovery of paper remnants inside the punch suggests its use as a ticket punch or a tool for perforated document marking.

This artifact is a testament to an era where the pocket knife served as a portable toolkit for the discerning individual, reflecting the high industrial standards of the German cutlery industry. This knife is not merely a tool, but a significant historical testament to the EDC (Everyday Carry) culture of past centuries.

https://youtu.be/YRDMqzpixak?feature=shared

Dittert was very accomplished at making multi-blades like this. A google search for "Dittert Knife" will bring up quite a few pictures of Dittert multi-blades. Very nice knife!

btrwtr wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 4:11 pm Dittert was very accomplished at making multi-blades like this. A google search for "Dittert Knife" will bring up quite a few pictures of Dittert multi-blades. Very nice knife!

Thank you, I was truly delighted with the knife. A very impressive artifact.

That's an impressive knife. Thanks for showing it.

Jeepergeo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 5:19 pm That's an impressive knife. Thanks for showing it.

I'm glad you liked it!

Georgiy_Velchev wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 3:30 pm This rare multi-functional "gentleman's knife" from the late 19th to early 20th century is an exceptional example of Solingen craftsmanship. Manufactured by J.E. Dittert & Co., the piece bears their distinctive trademark: an ancient triangular spirit level, signifying precision and quality.

Very nice old knife!


Here's one I have from the same company.

Miller Bro's wrote: ↑Sat Feb 14, 2026 1:18 am

Georgiy_Velchev wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 3:30 pm This rare multi-functional "gentleman's knife" from the late 19th to early 20th century is an exceptional example of Solingen craftsmanship. Manufactured by J.E. Dittert & Co., the piece bears their distinctive trademark: an ancient triangular spirit level, signifying precision and quality.

Very nice old knife!


Here's one I have from the same company.

A very typical and very nice Dittert multi-blade MB! Love the stag!

Miller Bro's wrote: ↑Sat Feb 14, 2026 1:18 am

Georgiy_Velchev wrote: ↑Fri Feb 13, 2026 3:30 pm This rare multi-functional "gentleman's knife" from the late 19th to early 20th century is an exceptional example of Solingen craftsmanship. Manufactured by J.E. Dittert & Co., the piece bears their distinctive trademark: an ancient triangular spirit level, signifying precision and quality.

Very nice old knife!


Here's one I have from the same company.

Oh, this is a wonderful knife! The antler ages beautifully and shines! I love it!

btrwtr wrote: ↑Sat Feb 14, 2026 12:54 pm A very typical and very nice Dittert multi-blade MB! Love the stag!

Thank you Wayne!

Georgiy_Velchev wrote: ↑Sat Feb 14, 2026 12:58 pm Oh, this is a wonderful knife! The antler ages beautifully and shines! I love it!

Thank you Georgiy!