Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of a late-war produced Type II "Take down" version of the legendary Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer, or German air force paratrooper knife (FJM or FKm), with RB Nr number 0/0561/0019 on the blade, indicating manufacture by SMF, or Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co.. These knives utilize a four-inch (100 mm) telescoping (OTF), gravity-propelled locking blade. First produced in 1937, the FJM was issued to German flight crews and paratroops, primarily for the purpose of cutting a trapped parachutist from his rigging in case he landed with a tangled parachute, or became entangled in trees with the shroud lines. Though not intended for use as a fighting knife, the FJM's blade could be and was used as a close combat weapon when necessary.

The Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer uses a sliding blade inside a metal grip frame, which was originally fitted with smooth wood scales, usually of beech or walnut. The blade itself is a relatively blunt spear-point, and the profile is flat ground, tapering to a utility edge. To open the blade, the user points the FJM downwards while flipping up the fulcrum-style operating lever, allowing gravity to draw out the blade to its fullest extent. Releasing the lever locks the blade into position. The FJM may also be opened by flipping the blade release lever while flicking the wrist holding the knife, causing the blade to extend.

The FJM was also equipped with a folding marlinspike or awl. Primarily intended for untangling rope knots, it can also be used as a prying tool. The FJM's spike does not lock when opened and was never intended to be used as a combat weapon, though individual German paratroopers may have employed it as such.

There are three principal types of wartime-era Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messers. The Type I FKm has wood scales (handle), was made from 1937-1941, and unlike successive models, has no 'takedown' capability. The Type II FKm is the same knife, but with takedown features, and was produced from 1941 to the end of World War II.

This example of the Type II FKm (FJM) is in very good condition, and it has a fine carbon steel blade which has lightly sharpened, with anodized components making up the rest of the knife. Assembly number 517 appears on the crossguard, blade base, and blade channel, while the spring and catch are both marked 781. These markings are correct for their respective components and do not indicate replacement parts, and are used to match up the components of the knife. There is also arrow on cross guard and interior to indicate the correct orientation when reassembling the knife.

The "take-down" ability allows the cross guard to be removed, and the body/sheath opens with the end ring as a hinge. The blade can then be removed for servicing, and the interior can be cleaned to ensure the blade moves freely. In this example, the take-down ability functions perfectly, and the release and marlinspike springs are intact with no cracks.

This is a fully functional example, with the release working great and allowing the knife to be used. The blade of this knife is still in very good condition, still showing most of the original factory final grind crossgrain, an identifying characteristic of original German WWII blades. There is some sharpening and scuffing, but no major damage, and the blade shape is very well retained. The marlinspike still folds out correctly, and the anodized finish is very well retained on the fittings, with just a bit of oxidation. The grip plates are of walnut with the standard four retaining rivets on each side, and show light wear but no major damage or stress cracks.

The base of the marlinspike has an additional marking on it, indicating the manufacturer of the knife:

R.B.NR.
0/0561/0019

German RB Numbers, or Reichsbetriebsnummer, also known as the National Business Number, were an alternative to the 3 letter codes in use late in the war. The first number 0 is the prefix for "industry", while 0561 is the location code for Solingen, the largest and best blade producing city in Germany. Contractor 0019 is Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, who were one of the major producers of this knife during WWII.

This German WWII Type II Luftwaffe gravity knife retains its takedown construction, walnut grip scales, folding marlinspike, locking blade mechanism, and late-war R.B.Nr. 0/0561/0019 marking associated with SMF of Solingen. The blade remains well shaped and retains substantial factory crossgrain, although it shows light sharpening and scuffing. The takedown mechanism, blade release, and marlinspike continue to function, and the springs remain intact, while the anodized fittings show only minor oxidation and finish wear. Assembly number 517 appears on the blade, crossguard, and blade channel, while the spring and catch bear their correct separate number 781. Overall, it is a well-preserved and mechanically functional example of the takedown-pattern Luftwaffe gravity knife with strong surviving maker, construction, and finish details.

Specifications:-
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 10 1/8“
Crossguard: 1 1/2"