Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good example of an early-war produced Type I version of the legendary Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer, or German air force paratrooper knife (FJM or FKm). It was produced by F. & A. HELBIG, who were one of the rarest producers of this knife during WWII. The blade still bares a faint trademark, which has a pair of ellipses enclose the firm's name and location of STEINBACH KR.M.. Inside the ellipses is the Helbig script Gaesler trademark logo, and beneath is ROSTFREI, the German word for stainless steel, indicating the material of the 4 inch (now shortened to 3¾”) long blade.

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 a Type I FJM has fine, stainless steel components, showing heavy oxidation at the bottom of the knife near the base of the marlin spike. There is a number 3 inside of a Waffen Eagle on the base of the marlin spike. This is the standard Luftwaffe inspection stamp style used throughout the war. The knife is not marked with any assembly number that we can see. Both leaf springs are intact and show no signs of cracking, which is unfortunately common with these knives. They were mainly designed for cutting through parachute rigging, so long term durability was not of a major concern. The knife is fully functional: the blade release functions properly, and the marlin spike snaps into place.

The blade of the knife is in rough condition having been heavily sharpened which has worn down its shape significantly. The etched trademark logo is still faintly visible, but only in reflection. A very worn blade which is now only about 3¾” long, indicating it saw significant use.

The grip plates are of walnut with the standard four retaining rivets. These plates are a bit worn with some initials inscribed, R.G.E.. on the right side. There is also some cracking on that side near the cross guard and also around the end loop.

A serviced used example of a Luftwaffe gravity knife by the rare maker F. & A. Helbig. Ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 3 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge Knife
Overall length: 10”
Crossguard: 1 7/16”