{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-gravity-knife-by-solinger-metallwaren-fabrik-with-waffen-proof-smf-4","title":"Original German WWII Luftwaffe Gravity Knife by Solinger Metallwaren Fabrik with Waffen Proof - SMF","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition example of an early-war produced Type I version of the legendary \u003cem\u003eLuftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer\u003c\/em\u003e, or German air force paratrooper knife (FJM or FKm). It was produced by \u003cstrong\u003eSolinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker \u0026amp; Co. GmbH\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \u003cstrong\u003eSMF\u003c\/strong\u003e, who were one of the major producers of this knife during WWII. Their \"Seated King\" over Solingen trademark is seen on the blade, as well as \u003cstrong\u003eROSTFREI\u003c\/strong\u003e (rust free) indicating stainless steel construction of the 4 inch long blade. Solingen is known as the \"City of Blades\" and has a centuries-old history of edged weapon production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimarily 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example of a Type I FJM has fine, stainless steel components, which includes the spring on the back. Unfortunately this was not as resilient as proper spring steel, which mean that the spring often would crack, which is what happened on this example. They were mainly designed for cutting through parachute rigging and unknotting ropes, so long term durability was not of a major concern. It looks like it was repaired or replaced at one point, but the end portion that secures the marlinspike is missing, so it cannot lock into place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a number \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e inside of a \u003cstrong\u003eWaffen Eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e on the base of the marlin spike. This is the standard Luftwaffe inspection stamp style used throughout the war. There are no assembly numbers marked on the blade release or base that we can see, as they were probably removed during the repair. The blade release is still intact and fully functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade of this knife is in very good condition, with a clear trademark logo, and some of the original factory final grind crossgrain visible. It has some signs of sharpening and cleaning and use, but overall is a great example, still the full 4 inches long. The grip plates are of walnut with the standard four retaining rivets. There is a crack on the right scale near the release, but otherwise they are in very good condition, with just light denting and staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice condition rare Luftwaffe gravity knife by SMF! Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlade Length: 4\"\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlade Style: Single Edge Knife\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOverall length: 10 1\/8”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCrossguard: 1 7\/16”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40533477326917,"sku":"ONSV23RHD52","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV23RHD52__11.jpg?v=1678461646","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-gravity-knife-by-solinger-metallwaren-fabrik-with-waffen-proof-smf-4","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}