Pen is mightier than the sword

Billman · 22nd May 2011, 09:33 AM

I am no expert on weapons (edge tools in general and billhooks in particular are my area of expertise), but the armies of northern Europe until the end of the 19th century or even up to WW1 were often issued with fascine knives that were a short multi-purpose sword - they were used for cutting fodder for horses, wood for shelters and firewood and could double as weapon if needed... They were the 'Woodsman's Pal' of their era... Some did have a saw back so they could be used on heavier wood.....

They were later replaced with a version that was more like a billhook - the fascine knife of the american revolutionary army, and the tool of WWI machine gunners and pioneer corps (sappers) of the armies on both sides...

See also: http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sho...aschinenmesser and http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...ife-Circa-date

For more images, see also: http://www.militaria-datenbank.com/s...?t\u003d135386 and
http://www.militaria-datenbank.com/s...?t\u003d134975 (via http://www.militaria-fundforum.com/s...74&language=en)

And even more from the Swiss army at: http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...com/topic/2409

Faskinkniv (Swedish/Danish) or faschinenmesser (German) of 1777 (brass handle), 1810 (sawback) and 1848 (wooden handle):

22nd May 2011, 09:33 AM	#17
Billman Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 129	I am no expert on weapons (edge tools in general and billhooks in particular are my area of expertise), but the armies of northern Europe until the end of the 19th century or even up to WW1 were often issued with fascine knives that were a short multi-purpose sword - they were used for cutting fodder for horses, wood for shelters and firewood and could double as weapon if needed... They were the 'Woodsman's Pal' of their era... Some did have a saw back so they could be used on heavier wood..... They were later replaced with a version that was more like a billhook - the fascine knife of the american revolutionary army, and the tool of WWI machine gunners and pioneer corps (sappers) of the armies on both sides... See also: http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sho...aschinenmesser and http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...ife-Circa-date For more images, see also: http://www.militaria-datenbank.com/s...?t\u003d135386 and http://www.militaria-datenbank.com/s...?t\u003d134975 (via http://www.militaria-fundforum.com/s...74&language=en) And even more from the Swiss army at: http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...com/topic/2409 Faskinkniv (Swedish/Danish) or faschinenmesser (German) of 1777 (brass handle), 1810 (sawback) and 1848 (wooden handle): Attached Images Last edited by Billman; 22nd May 2011 at 10:23 AM.