The company Josef Hack (operating as Hackwerke GmbH) was established in 1875 in Steyr, Austria. Leveraging decades of expertise in knife manufacturing, the firm expanded its scope after the Anschluss to include the contract production of political and military edged weapons. In 1935, the company secured the official RZM code M7/103, designating it as a participant in the National Socialist era's manufacturing program for party equipment.
The manufacturer specialized in a broad range of edged weapons, including SA service daggers (model M1933), NSKK daggers, Army (Heer) and Luftwaffe daggers, dress bayonets, and Hitler Youth (HJ) knives. The firm produced approximately 1,000 SA service daggers. This limited production run grants these historical items a 4.5/5 rarity rating (highly rare) among military antiques collectors. These pieces feature the iconic etched blade motto "Alles für Deutschland" and high-quality nickel-silver fittings.
The trademark of Josef Hack is easily identified by its stylized fish symbol, a hallmark representing the manufacturer's quality and tradition. This mark was frequently paired with the RZM M7/103 stamp etched onto the blades. The company remained a fixture of the Austrian steel industry until its liquidation in 1981. Surviving products from this maker are essential reference examples for any comprehensive blank weapons encyclopedia focused on Austrian manufacturers during the Nazi era.
