Hello All,

I have a feeling blades of this type have been discussed before, but I can't find the thread. I found this thing on Mr. Jurgen Fricker's website (see attachment below), looks like the early German forerunner of Tinker Pearce's "Tactical Death Spatula" series.

Can anybody fill me in on the use of this item or point me toward any discussion on these that may have occurred? Thank you in advance!

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(from Mr. Fricker's website) [ Download ]

Hi, that is the large cleaver-like knife from a German (probably) hunting trouse set. There would have been several other knives of various sizes and shapes included in a multi-pocketed scabbard. These were popular from the 15th century through the 19th, I think.

That is correct what Christopher said , it is part of a hunting trouse set. The large knife was used to cut the carcas in manageable pieces. Actually in the proces of making one myself. By the way mr frickers 's gallery/ store is awesome. It is like a museum where you can handle and buy the pieces!

Sorry for the delay, but, thank you Jose and Christopher. After viewing your replies I looked a bit closer at Mr. Fricker's website, googled a few terms - am I correct that the term "trousse" or "trouse" typically refers to the entire "kit" encompassed in the sheath, and that the big bad cleaver is a "waidpraxe"?

I got my hands on an old cleaver some time ago and it is just about perfect for a project replica. The thing has some distal taper, if that's the right term the way this cleaver thins out, that wouldn't be quite right for a messer or an all-purpose bauernwehr, but it should be okay for this. Jose, I hope you'll share your project at some point!

Thanks again,
Eric

"waidpraxe" actually hits the thing.
"waid" meaning hunt (some centuries ago, but huntsmen here in austria still greet each other "waidmanns heil")
and a praxe is a cleaving tool, still used by gardeners...etc. today

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a modern praxe

Nice project idea, Eric! I just ordered a cheap Old Hickory carbon steel butcher knife for a Hauswehr/Bauernwehr conversion project, and OH also has a cleaver.

Thank you Gottfried for the clarfication . I should have know better.! Eric, will take a pic and send it.

I figure if I do it right it's one of those projects that will keep me from starting any other half-baked projects for a while. Sean, Jose, I do look forward to seeing your projects. I'm curious to get your impression on the Old Hickory blade, Sean, I found one at a swap meet some time ago and it was as thin as a modern kitchen knife, so I passed on it. Very cool profile and finish, would have otherwise been a great hauswehr.

Hi Eric, here are some pics of the waidpraxe I have been working on. it is now at a stop. The ocer all lenght is 16 inches, blade 10 inches and 3 inches at the widest part. It is damascus steel about 1/4 inch thick. The brass guard will change.

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Wow, Jose, that is a nice looking blade. Thank you for the pictures. Let us know when the project gets rolling again, if you will.

-Eric

I will . I will take better pics. This ones were with the phone. I have made knives in the past out of garage. Nothing professional or so . Recently I decided is time to take the hobby more serious so I posted in a blade forum asking for help and I have a guy from Lynwood teaching me but it has been slow process. I can wit to make some other blades!