Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII early Type I Luftwaffe gravity knife, or Fallschirmjäger-Messer, manufactured by Solinger Metallwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, better known as SMF. It retains the seated king SMF trademark, ROSTFREI blade marking, Luftwaffe inspection proof, matching assembly number 51 on the blade release components, intact rear springs, visible factory crossgrain, and an unusual period style repair or modification to both walnut grip plates.

The Luftwaffe gravity knife was designed around a sliding blade contained within a metal grip frame. On this Type I example, the blade is released by raising the operating lever and allowing gravity to extend it from the handle. When the lever is released, the blade is secured in the extended position. The knife also incorporates a folding marlinspike intended primarily for working knots and parachute rigging.

The marlinspike does not lock in the manner of the blade. When fully extended it is retained by a clear detent and remains relatively firm, but it was not designed as a locking combat implement.

Type I Luftwaffe gravity knives are characterized by their wood grip scales and non-takedown construction. The supplied identification places this early configuration in approximately 1937-1941 production, before the introduction of the takedown Type II pattern.

The stainless steel blade measures approximately 4" and is marked with the SMF "seated king" trademark over:

SOLINGEN

along with:

ROSTFREI

indicating stainless steel construction.

The blade remains in excellent condition and, importantly for collectors, still retains visible factory final polish crossgrain across much of the surface. This finish is known in German as Pliesten, created by polishing the blades with large leather covered wheels using a slurry of extremely fine grit. This finish is nearly impossible to replicate using modern means, and is a hallmark of Genuine WWII era German blades. It is especially important to advanced collectors because it helps preserve evidence of the original factory surface.

There is evidence of sharpening along the cutting edge and point, which has removed the original crossgrain in those areas. The edge is now extremely sharp and should be handled carefully. The surviving factory finish elsewhere remains an important feature despite this later sharpening.

The base of the marlinspike bears a Luftwaffe stick eagle Waffenamt inspection mark containing the number:

5

The blade release components are both marked with assembly number:

51

supporting their original association within the mechanism.

When operated by hand, the blade release allows the blade to extend and secures it when pressure is removed from the lever. Both rear springs are intact and show no visible cracking. The marlinspike also opens correctly and engages its detent when fully extended.

The grip plates are walnut and retain the standard four rivet attachment. Both scales have a large rectangular section replaced or inserted through the central portion. The exact reason for this alteration is unknown.

The construction beneath the grips includes solid metal side plates, so the replacement wood sections do not appear to correspond with an obvious structural repair to the knife mechanism itself. They may represent an old repair, modification, or attempt at personalization, but without documentation the purpose cannot be stated with certainty. There is also a crack on one side below the end loop.

Overall condition is very good for a service used Type I gravity knife. The blade retains substantial factory crossgrain and clear SMF markings, the mechanism operates through its normal range, the marlinspike detent remains effective, both rear springs are intact, and the walnut grips remain firmly mounted despite their unusual central repairs.

With its early Type I non-takedown construction, SMF seated king trademark, ROSTFREI stainless blade, Luftwaffe stick eagle proof, matching number 51 blade release parts, intact rear springs, surviving factory crossgrain, and distinctive repaired walnut grip plates, this is a particularly interesting Luftwaffe gravity knife. The sharpened edge and point, localized loss of crossgrain, and uncertain purpose of the grip modifications are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Luftwaffe edged weapon, Fallschirmjäger equipment, SMF maker, Type I gravity knife, or advanced German WWII knife collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Style: Single Edge Knife
Overall length: 10 1/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/16”