Original German WWII Luftwaffe Gravity Knife by SMF with Waffen Proof – Broken Marlinspike Spring Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice 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 Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, 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 ROSTFREI (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.

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. There is a number 5 inside of a Waffen Eagle on the base of the marlin spike. This is the standard Luftwaffe inspection stamp style used throughout the war. It also is marked with assembly number 655 on both parts of the blade release. The leaf spring for the blade release is intact and uncracked, however the spring for the marlinspike has broken off at the lower rivet point, something seen quite commonly on these knives. They were mainly designed for cutting through parachute rigging, so long term durability was not of a major concern. While the marlinspike swings freely, the blade still properly locks into place in the open place, retracting when the latch is used again.

The blade of this knife is in good condition, with a visible trademark logo, and much of the original factory final grind crossgrain visible. It has however been sharpened several times, which has removed probably 1/16″ or more from the cutting edge, changing the shape of the blade slightly. It looks like it was sharpened recently and is VERY SHARP, so handle with care. The blades are relatively thin, so long term use would quickly wear away the blade.

The grip plates are of walnut with the standard retaining rivets on each side, with a lovely aged look to them. The left grip is however missing one of the rivets, and overall the grip does show wear and some staining. There is also a crack running from the base of the knife to one of the lower rivets on the right side scale.

A very nice rare Luftwaffe gravity knife by SMF, ready to display!

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