Can someone Identify this

[tinytot]

I've got this from my Grand Parents, but don't know much about it. I searched the web but couldn't find it or anything similar to it. Can someone tell me what is this. Its looks like a Dagger but can extend it by pressing the button to a long sword/Dagger

It says HY KAUFMANN SONS No. 55 Made in Germany

[dks]

Very unusual

This was mentioned a while back, on that brand:

....

 HY Kaufmann & Sons of Solingen, Germany were started back in 1856 and made knives up until 1995. The K55K and Mercator where trademarks of theirs.


2xTap

[tinytot]

Very unusual

This was mentioned a while back, on that brand:

....

 HY Kaufmann & Sons of Solingen, Germany were started back in 1856 and made knives up until 1995. The K55K and Mercator where trademarks of theirs.

2xTap

Can you please find me the thread, as I'm new to this forum (In fact registered today)

[dks]

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=27147.0

[tinytot]

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=27147.0

nope, its not it

[dks]

I know it is not your knife.  I was just providing some information on the maker.

Your knife is very unusual.

Someone may be able to provide more information on that style of knife soon.

[tinytot]

I know it is not your knife.  I was just providing some information on the maker.

Your knife is very unusual.

Someone may be able to provide more information on that style of knife soon.

Thanks

[Noa Isumi]

That IS interesting
I've seen machete that fold like that but never a fighter. What is the size of that thing? 6in folded to 12 open or bigger?
By the apparent locking button on the scale and what looks like a cocking arm on the backspring side, is it an automatic? How does it lock open, the button or a bolster lock?

That is a truly cool blade

[tinytot]

That IS interesting
I've seen machete that fold like that but never a fighter. What is the size of that thing? 6in folded to 12 open or bigger?
By the apparent locking button on the scale and what looks like a cocking arm on the backspring side, is it an automatic? How does it lock open, the button or a bolster lock?

That is a truly cool blade

Yes, you are correct, The blade is about 5.5 inches and become 11 inches when extended. you have to press the side cocking arm to close it.

[Noa Isumi]

Hopefully someone else here will have some useful info

What little I know on switchblades mostly comes from Jonathan "Shinza" who runs the 'exotic automatic' forum. He may know, if its still there. It was a dying a couple yrs ago, you can only get so far with zombie apocalypse and kids wanting to build assassin creed wrist knives.

[tinytot]

Hopefully someone else here will have some useful info

What little I know on switchblades mostly comes from Jonathan "Shinza" who runs the 'exotic automatic' forum. He may know, if its still there. It was a dying a couple yrs ago, you can only get so far with zombie apocalypse and kids wanting to build assassin creed wrist knives.

do you know how much it is worth. I want to dispose it

[cody6268]

You might have a big problem getting rid of it--automatics are illegal in many countries and US states forbid carry or ownership of switchblades. 

I have long been wanting a WWII US paratrooper's switchblade.  There was even one for sale here for a great price and I didn't buy it solely because what I read on Virginia state knife laws (where I'm from) is a little murky on switchblades/automatics.   One place says both ownership and carry is illegal, while one says just carrying them is. As a result, I've stayed away from them.

[Tomcat_81]

Not really a switchblade, you have to bring the blade into position without the help of springs. It's called a "Verlängerungsmesser" in Germany, used for hunting  to replace a Hirschfänger (short blade for general use and easier to carry, elongated blade for intercepting deer. Not sure if to intercept has the same meaning as 'Abfangen' in German though ;-) ) Some of these blades were also produced in Italy and Spain.
Tomcat

Some more types can be seen here:
https://www.google.de/search?q=verl%C3%A4ngerungsmesser&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf7KTx36nKAhVFuBQKHdKFCNEQ_AUIBygB&biw=1301&bih=717

[dks]

   amazon de has some 

[SAK Guy]

You might have a big problem getting rid of it--automatics are illegal in many countries and US states forbid carry or ownership of switchblades. 

I have long been wanting a WWII US paratrooper's switchblade.  There was even one for sale here for a great price and I didn't buy it solely because what I read on Virginia state knife laws (where I'm from) is a little murky on switchblades/automatics.   One place says both ownership and carry is illegal, while one says just carrying them is. As a result, I've stayed away from them.

They are legal to own and carry in Texas as long as they are not double edged.

[Grant Lamontagne]

It gets more convoluted as well- while laws differ from state to state, I believe federal law restricts inter state transfer to military and law enforcement personnel only, so even if they are legal in the state you are in, and the state you are going to, it is still illegal to transport from one to the other.

Def

[tattoosteve99]

It gets more convoluted as well- while laws differ from state to state, I believe federal law restricts inter state transfer to military and law enforcement personnel only, so even if they are legal in the state you are in, and the state you are going to, it is still illegal to transport from one to the other.

Def

True depending on the states adjoining. Here in NC it is legal to own but not carry in public. But at my home on my property I can. Not sure yet about in public, as I'm still researching it, but from what I have read you can legally carry as long as it's not concealed. I'm no lawyer but I do study most of the knife laws here so I don't break them.

[Tomcat_81]

Sorry to ask, but I might need this while traveling:
Wiki says 

A switchblade (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, switch, Sprenger,[1] Springer,[2][3] flick knife, or flick blade) is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or bolster is activated

.
This would equal the German "Springmesser or Springer".
The  Verlängerungsmesser (pl.) I had in hands would have needed a hell of a spring to open automatically - and consequently didn't, but had to be positioned manually. 

So, does the term switchblade include all knives that have buttons to open and fix, or does it only include those with springs?

Tomcat