Hitlerjugend: An In-Depth History: Ceremonial knives and daggers
by Arvo L. Vercamer

In 1933, the HJ leadership agreed to present a small ceremonial knife or dagger (Fahrtenmesser) to any HJ member who performed above average; another version of a badge or medal of honor. A knife added to one's uniform often gave the wearer a greater perception of personal and political power and prestige among peers.

Early period HJ knives were not as ornate as some of the privately purchased knives of the mid to late 1930's. From 1933 to 1938, the blade of the HJ knife was inscribed with the text "Blut und Ehre" (Blood and honor); after 1938, the knife blade contained no texts. After 1938, HJ leaders were issued more ornate daggers. Most of the HJ knives and daggers contained the HJ "diamond pattern" swastika somewhere, either on the scabbard, inlaid or on the pommel.