Luftwaffe Gravity Knives

One of the best examples of German equipment designed for a specific purpose is the Luftwaffe Gravity Knife. This knife. also called a Paratrooper Knife, was issued to Luftwaffe personally as a general utility knife. Its primary designed function was to provide parachute troops, and other flying personel, with a heavy duty, reliable knife for a variety of functions.

These knives were made in two distinct types and finishes. They each consisted of a steel single edged blade which slid point frist out of the handle. The mechanism was operated with one hand by a lever and was practically infallable. Both types had a folding pick and large carrying ring on the end opposite the blade. Both types had wood grips as well. The sole difference in the two types of knife is that one could be taken apart by pressing a small square metal plate imbedded in the grip. This is the type generally issued to parachutists. There was also a variance in finished from blued steel to nickle plating.

Often you will find knives with makers marks on the blades. but not all, particularly the blued ones will have them. There is invariably a serial number on the base of the pick and I or one on the thumb lever. Often military acceptance proofs are stamped on the blade or pick base in the form of an eagle.

Unattributed: "LUFTWAFFE GRAVITY KNIVES", "Der Haren Kreuz" c. 1968