Dutch Army Knives

[EMZ]

It is the Swisstool Spirit BS and there is the Dutch Lion Stamped on the leather.

The stamp/imprint is called the 'Interservice logo', consisting of a lion (army), anker (navy) and bird (air force).

Welcome to the DAK Club!

[Agamemnon]

 

2021 - the year of the strange knives.

This week I received a new acquisition: an unmarked knife that looks a lot like the Amefa knives with brown fiber grip.
 The knife belonged to a Dutch ex-soldier who was drafted in 1949 and got this knife with his equipment.

The story behind the knife:

On 19-09-1931 Eugen Hollaender (a German) founded the Apeldoornsche Messenfabriek NV Haagse Import Maatschappij Olanda (Apeldoornse Knife factory NV The Hague Import Company Olanda). This would later become Amefa. He initially produced razors and in the 1940s switched to kitchen knives and pocket knives, which he supplied to the Dutch and German army.

Hollaender's application for naturalization, which he submitted at the same time as his marriage in 1937, got stranded in the bureaucracy during the German occupation. So he still had the German nationality and therefore he could sign a contract with Germany. The knives he made were therefore also used in the German Wehrmacht. The knife was made until WWII.

After the war, the Hollaender family was placed under a trustee. This arose from a general measure against companies that were run under the German flag during the occupation. Hollaender was also, immediately after the liberation of Apeldoorn, because he was a German, imprisoned in the Willem III barracks in Apeldoorn. There he sat together with other Germans and NSB (National SoSmurfpillst Movement in the Netherlands) members.

In the 1950s he was neutralized as a Dutchman.

The knife, most likely made by "Olanda" and probably served as an "example" for the DAK that was made by Amefa and used after the war. Because of this, the later Amefa's and this knife have (almost) the same configuration.

[EMZ]

Great story, Agamemnon!
I didn't know Amefa was estahblished by a German who's name was Hollaender. What a coincidence.
After consulting the internet this morning, I read that during WW2 Amefa produced knives and razor blades for the German army, but that Hollaender was also anti-German, and helped the local resistance, risking his own life. That's why he was honoured in 2011 by giving his name to a street in Apeldoorn: the Hollaenderstraat.

[Agamemnon]

Great story, Agamemnon!
I didn't know Amefa was estahblished by a German who's name was Hollaender. What a coincidence.
After consulting the internet this morning, I read that during WW2 Amefa produced knives and razor blades for the German army, but that Hollaender was also anti-German, and helped the local resistance, risking his own life. That's why he was honoured in 2011 by giving his name to a street in Apeldoorn: the Hollaenderstraat.

 
Thanks EMZ.

For the local resistance and the old forced laborers, Hollaender and his wife are seen as Oskar Schindler (“Schindlers List”) of Apeldoorn.

[Echotech]

2021 - the year of the strange knives.

This week I received a new acquisition: an unmarked knife that looks a lot like the Amefa knives with brown fiber grip.
 The knife belonged to a Dutch ex-soldier who was drafted in 1949 and got this knife with his equipment.

The story behind the knife:

On 19-09-1931 Eugen Hollaender (a German) founded the Apeldoornsche Messenfabriek NV Haagse Import Maatschappij Olanda (Apeldoornse Knife factory NV The Hague Import Company Olanda). This would later become Amefa. He initially produced razors and in the 1940s switched to kitchen knives and pocket knives, which he supplied to the Dutch and German army.

Hollaender's application for naturalization, which he submitted at the same time as his marriage in 1937, got stranded in the bureaucracy during the German occupation. So he still had the German nationality and therefore he could sign a contract with Germany. The knives he made were therefore also used in the German Wehrmacht. The knife was made until WWII.

After the war, the Hollaender family was placed under a trustee. This arose from a general measure against companies that were run under the German flag during the occupation. Hollaender was also, immediately after the liberation of Apeldoorn, because he was a German, imprisoned in the Willem III barracks in Apeldoorn. There he sat together with other Germans and NSB (National SoSmurfpillst Movement in the Netherlands) members.

In the 1950s he was neutralized as a Dutchman.

The knife, most likely made by "Olanda" and probably served as an "example" for the DAK that was made by Amefa and used after the war. Because of this, the later Amefa's and this knife have (almost) the same configuration.

Excellent write up and pics Agamemnon, what an interesting story

[Echotech]

Received this AMEFA KL79 today, thanks to HankGreen on the MT’s for sale forum

Closer in quality to the VIC than I was expecting, not quite as well finished, particularly noticeable with the pins but not bad at all

[SgtTowser]

My mind has been expanded. Did not know of DAKs. Have a GAK, but have to hunt for a DAK.

The old ones have blade pivots pretty reminiscent of Pradel

[Agamemnon]

Received this AMEFA KL79 today, thanks to HankGreen on the MT’s for sale forum

Closer in quality to the VIC than I was expecting, not quite as well finished, particularly noticeable with the pins but not bad at all

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

 
Hi Echotech,
Nice Amefa KL 79 congratulations on your new acquisition – looking good.

As can be seen in the photos, this is the 4-piece version. (2nd version). There is however also a 3-piece version (1st version).

The KL72, KL73, KL74 & KLU74 was a 3-part pocket knife, stainless steel with ribbed aluminum body. Folding knife, bottle opener / wide flat screwdriver and flat awl. The years "72," 73 and "74; do not have a can opener. (P-38 - Can Opener - NSN 7330-99-549-6287).This was provided separately. In addition, the bottle opener was on the same side as the blade.

In addition to the KL (army variant), a KLU (air force) knife was also provided in 1974. From 1975 the 2nd type was introduced, with 4 parts. These knives all had brass liners. The first two production years were 1975 and 1976. In 1977 no production took place. In the following years the KL78, KL79, KL80, KL81 and KL 82 were released.

Amefa produced this series up to and including 1982 and finally once more in 1984. In 1983 and the years after 1984 Victorinox became the supplier. During this period Victorinox started a lawsuit against Amefa for patent evasion. As a result, Defense was obliged to buy only from Victorinox.

[glenfiddich1983]

Hi Echotech,
Nice Amefa KL 79 congratulations on your new acquisition – looking good.

As can be seen in the photos, this is the 4-piece version. (2nd version). There is however also a 3-piece version (1st version).

The KL72, KL73, KL74 & KLU74 was a 3-part pocket knife, stainless steel with ribbed aluminum body. Folding knife, bottle opener / wide flat screwdriver and flat awl. The years "72," 73 and "74; do not have a can opener. (P-38 - Can Opener - NSN 7330-99-549-6287).This was provided separately. In addition, the bottle opener was on the same side as the blade.

In addition to the KL (army variant), a KLU (air force) knife was also provided in 1974. From 1975 the 2nd type was introduced, with 4 parts. These knives all had brass liners. The first two production years were 1975 and 1976. In 1977 no production took place. In the following years the KL78, KL79, KL80, KL81 and KL 82 were released.

Amefa produced this series up to and including 1982 and finally once more in 1984. In 1983 and the years after 1984 Victorinox became the supplier. During this period Victorinox started a lawsuit against Amefa for patent evasion. As a result, Defense was obliged to buy only from Victorinox.

Very informative 

Never knew about that lawsuit!

[EMZ]

Another probably experimental/proposal/test model DAK: The Victorinox Forester OH with 'Interservice' logo.
I bought this one also for a very reasonable price from the same seller as Glenfiddich bought his two rare models (see earlier posts).

[Agamemnon]

 

looks good EMZ - congrats

[glenfiddich1983]

Another probably experimental/proposal/test model DAK: The Victorinox Forester OH with 'Interservice' logo.
I bought this one also for a very reasonable price from the same seller as Glenfiddich bought his two rare models (see earlier posts).

Congratz! 

[EMZ]

Agamemnon wrote: "The years "72," 73 and "74; do not have a can opener. (P-38 - Can Opener - NSN 7330-99-549-6287).This was provided separately. In addition, the bottle opener was on the same side as the blade."

These can openers came with our combat rations (gevechtsrantsoenen'). One in each C-Rat.
After reading Agamemnon's post I realized I still had one of these old timer combat rations lying around somewhere. Well, luckily I found it, but the quality of the contents had detoriated over the years. Especially the tin can with 'Kaas, Korstloos' (= Cheese, Crustless) is in a bad, leaking condition. But this ration dates around 1978!
I guess I have to open it one day and remove the very rotten content...

Included some pictures of the Macaroni & Ham ration + the can opener in its plastic pouch (originally the pouch was made of laminated paper-plastic-aluminium, but many years ago I packed the contents in clear plastic.)
The can opener is hiding between the green toilet paper and the chewing gum. See the red arrow.

[EMZ]

Back on topic with this promotional Dutch air force pocket knife!
Text on revers side: Bindingsdag 2003 (= binding/interconnecting day 2003).
Tang stamp is 'Stainless Steel' which factually means 'China'.

[SgtTowser]

Back on topic with this promotional Dutch air force pocket knife!
Text on revers side: Bindingsdag 2003 (= binding/interconnecting day 2003).
Tang stamp is 'Stainless Steel' which factually means 'China'.

Epic 👍

I half expect wings to pop out and it to transform into a nano drone!!!

Are these scarce?

My neighbor is a pilot and would love one of these!

The top pick is actually reminiscent of a cargo/tanker!

[Echotech]

Hi Echotech,
Nice Amefa KL 79 congratulations on your new acquisition – looking good.

As can be seen in the photos, this is the 4-piece version. (2nd version). There is however also a 3-piece version (1st version).

The KL72, KL73, KL74 & KLU74 was a 3-part pocket knife, stainless steel with ribbed aluminum body. Folding knife, bottle opener / wide flat screwdriver and flat awl. The years "72," 73 and "74; do not have a can opener. (P-38 - Can Opener - NSN 7330-99-549-6287).This was provided separately. In addition, the bottle opener was on the same side as the blade.

In addition to the KL (army variant), a KLU (air force) knife was also provided in 1974. From 1975 the 2nd type was introduced, with 4 parts. These knives all had brass liners. The first two production years were 1975 and 1976. In 1977 no production took place. In the following years the KL78, KL79, KL80, KL81 and KL 82 were released.

Amefa produced this series up to and including 1982 and finally once more in 1984. In 1983 and the years after 1984 Victorinox became the supplier. During this period Victorinox started a lawsuit against Amefa for patent evasion. As a result, Defense was obliged to buy only from Victorinox.

excellent write up thanks for that, always interesting to understand some of the history behind them

[EMZ]

Epic 👍

I half expect wings to pop out and it to transform into a nano drone!!!

Are these scarce?

My neighbor is a pilot and would love one of these!

The top pick is actually reminiscent of a cargo/tanker!

Cargo/tanker! 

Are they scarce? I dunno... probably.... It's the first one I've ever seen. It's my guess only a few dozens were ever made.
This one is not even in Agamemnon's collection -I think he has the most extensive DAK collection- so it's probably a rare specimen.

[Agamemnon]

Cargo/tanker! 

Are they scarce? I dunno... probably.... It's the first one I've ever seen. It's my guess only a few dozens were ever made.
This one is not even in Agamemnon's collection -I think he has the most extensive DAK collection- so it's probably a rare specimen.

  

Too bad EMZ but I have to disappoint you; I have the knife in my collection.
You are right to say it is a rare knife. I had never seen it either.

By the way, thank you for your tip for the CRKT - Thunderbolt 2 of the 11 LMB. I'll get it in tomorrow.

[Agamemnon]

 

My three new acquisitions:

CRKT - Lake Thunderbolt 2 – 7130 – with the logo of the 11 LMB
Was a Brigade "Christmas Present" to the 11LMB in (±) 2005. The choice was the pocket knife or a gift card.
Used in Afghanistan in 2008. 11 Infantry Battalion (Air Assault) "Garderegiment Jagers en Grenadiers” (Cloak regiment Hunters and Grenadiers) was part of Battle Group 7 of Task Force Uruzgan (TFU 7).

Pocket knife Houthobbyclub PMK Wezep
If you are stationed somewhere as a soldier and you want to spend your free time on a hobby after "duty hours", there are several clubs you can join. One of these clubs is the Houthobbyclub (woodworking club) in the “Prinses Margrietkazerne” in Wezep. This pocket knife was a gift from this club.

The Princess Margriet Barracks are located in Wezep on the northern edge of the Veluwe. After the occupation in 1940, the complex was built according to German design.

The barracks are adjacent to the Oldebroekse Heide, one of the largest military training grounds in the Netherlands. The Princess Margriet barracks mainly contain parts of 101 Engineer Battalion. Furthermore, the staff of 11 Panzer Engineer Battalion is housed there with two Panzer Engineer companies and a part of the Education and Training Center for Engineer is located there.

Vfonds.
This (small) multi-tool comes from the Veterans Institute, there is little else to say about it.

[SgtTowser]

My three new acquisitions:

CRKT - Lake Thunderbolt 2 – 7130 – with the logo of the 11 LMB
Was a Brigade "Christmas Present" to the 11LMB in (±) 2005. The choice was the pocket knife or a gift card.
Used in Afghanistan in 2008. 11 Infantry Battalion (Air Assault) "Garderegiment Jagers en Grenadiers” (Cloak regiment Hunters and Grenadiers) was part of Battle Group 7 of Task Force Uruzgan (TFU 7).

Pocket knife Houthobbyclub PMK Wezep
If you are stationed somewhere as a soldier and you want to spend your free time on a hobby after "duty hours", there are several clubs you can join. One of these clubs is the Houthobbyclub (woodworking club) in the “Prinses Margrietkazerne” in Wezep. This pocket knife was a gift from this club.

The Princess Margriet Barracks are located in Wezep on the northern edge of the Veluwe. After the occupation in 1940, the complex was built according to German design.

The barracks are adjacent to the Oldebroekse Heide, one of the largest military training grounds in the Netherlands. The Princess Margriet barracks mainly contain parts of 101 Engineer Battalion. Furthermore, the staff of 11 Panzer Engineer Battalion is housed there with two Panzer Engineer companies and a part of the Education and Training Center for Engineer is located there.

Vfonds.
This (small) multi-tool comes from the Veterans Institute, there is little else to say about it.

Thx for the knife info and historical background, plus account of hobbying in military life.

[Agamemnon]

Thx for the knife info and historical background, plus account of hobbying in military life.

 

[EMZ]

1. Multi-tool (Chinese 'Stainless Steel' made) with text "DBBO".
DBBO = Defensie Bewakings- en Beveiligingsorganisatie, or in bad English 'Defence Guarding and Secutity Organisation'. This DBBO was established in 2013 as an overall orgaisation for guwrd and security duties for the Dutch Army, Navy en Air Force intsllations. Its personel consists of armed civilian emplyees.

2. Promotional Nite Ize Dookickey Key Tool. It was a give-away item on Army Open Days.
"Werken bij Defensie. Je moet het maar kunnen" translate into something like "Work at the Armed Services. You just must be able do do it."

3. A promotional 'survival set' from the "BBT Vakbond".
BBT = Beroeps Bepaalde Tijd, wich translate into Short Term Professional. BBT'ers are the military men and women who sign in for a 4 or 6 year term.
Vakbond = Union.
So this item was given to new members of the Union for Short Term Professionals. The quality of the items is rather 'minimal'.

[EMZ]

I know, I know. These promotional Chinese made DAK items are not the most sexy and interesting stuff for the spoiled DAK collectors.

But last week I received a 'real deal', a genuine Leatherman Wave. It has the inscription of the "Schoolbataljon Centraal", which translates into 'School Battalion Central'. (You see, Dutch language is not complicated at all). Date stamp is 0205.
The Dutch Army had from 1994-2007 three schools where new recruits got their initial military trainings. These were the School Batallions North, Central and South. The Central one was based in a small town called Ermelo. These LM's probably were standard issue for the recruits of the Central school.

[Echotech]

cool find EMZ

[Agamemnon]

 

Two Victorinox cousins: the Centurion and the Nomad.
My two latest acquisitions. Both DAK93 and provided with the Dutch Interservice logo.
Both received from former military personnel and have both been "employed".
Nothing else to tell this time.

[Echotech]

interesting to see a recent(ish) model army knife with a corkscrew

[Likewise]

I stumbled onto a KLU 65 in the back of a desk drawer we were tossing out. I don’t know anything about it. Is it a Dutch knife? It looks brand new, the writing is sideways across the casing though. Has anyone heard of this knife before? I’m an absolute newbie at this but I love this knife, it’s super high quality.

[EMZ]

Congratulations with this very rare Dutch Army Knife!!
As far as I can see, it is in an excellent condition. Unfortunately the KLU 65 is not even in my own collection.
For you it is a marvellous start if you want to collect DAK's.
Welcome to the MTO club, and please enjoy our pictures and descriptions.

[Likewise]

Congratulations with this very rare Dutch Army Knife!!
As far as I can see, it is in an excellent condition. Unfortunately the KLU 65 is not even in my own collection.
For you it is a marvellous start if you want to collect DAK's.
Welcome to the MTO club, and please enjoy our pictures and descriptions.

Do you know what the value of this would be? I’m not interested in selling it however I would like to start collecting these knives, should I stick with the fibre handled tools? I have no information on the value of the knives/tools and I don’t want to overpay. If I clean it will it damage the history of the knife? What is an ideal series for me to continue collecting in the line?

Any help would be appreciated,

Total newbie, super fascinated!

Regards,

Likewise

[SgtTowser]

Anyone know what the tool opposite the knife blade does? Is it a can opener tool that broke off and got ground to what we see in the picture? Or is that something else?