Sometime around 1939, you can find what is referred to as transitional examples that still retain the motto but now are dated on the ricasso of the blade. Instead of the maker's name and logo, you begin to see contract numbers which was the Reich's veiled attempt to disguise the names and locations of the manufacturers.
By 1940 and up until 1942, which is considered by most to be the last year for dagger manufacturer, the majority of the hilts on HJ knives were simply nickel plated with a steel base. The plated blade was plain, with no motto, and just the RZM code of the maker along with the year of manufacture. The scabbards were painted and the leather belt loop and retaining strap tended to be of lesser quality. I have even encountered examples with a rudimentary plastic belt loop.
It's quite common to find the blade of the HJ knife sharpened. In many cases, this was done by the Hitler Youth member himself because the factory issue knife was quite dull. The same was true for our Boy Scout knifes. I distinctly remember sharpening my knife so I could whittle sticks and things into different shapes.
