This is a German paratrooper gravity knife. The handle is constructed of
wood with a metal frame. The blade is usually labeled with the
manufacturer's emblem. Known as the "gravity" knife because the
blade is kept hidden until the knife is pointed downward and a lever is pressed,
causing the blade to slide down and become exposed for use. The
blade is kept secured in place by a spring lever.
A ring is provided at the butt end so that the
paratrooper could attach a rope and kept it within reach during
action.
The picture below shows the knife fully extended.
Special care must be taken when expanding the blade. If the lever is pressed too hard the spring
may brake because it is held in place by a single rivet. Many of the
samples available for sale have broken springs.
The sample illustrated here is marked with the
manufacturer's insignia near the base of the blade. In addition, other
parts of the knife have production marked stamped on them.
The following picture illustrates how the blade is kept hidden. A folding
spike was found at the bottom of the knife.
A word of caution
The spring that controls the lever can break easily. Do not take the blade in and out too many times. There
are no known replacements for the spring at this time.
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