Tuesday, October 25, 2011

A Strange & Archaic Military Relic

*
The 1980's German Bundeswehr Military "Fallschirmjäger-Messer" Paratrooper Type 4 FkM Gravity Knife - ever heard of it? It might evoke some faint sense of memory, but you've probably never seen one in the flesh. They are relatively hard to find these days, but a persistent internet search will bring them up. Check out the photos below:


It's a biggie! Plastic handle, metal tip, a folding marlinspike on the side, blade secreted in the handle. These puppies were designed to cut parachute rigging and untangle paracord. They appear to be relatively well constructed.


Another view, showing the locking lever at the front/top of the handle.


Blade extended and locked in place.


Blade retracted.

These are cool knives. The blade simply falls out when you point the handle downward and press the locking lever forward. Then you pull the lever back and the blade locks in place. Or, you can flick the blade out. Not a high-quality blade, but it sharpens right up.
*

No comments:

Post a Comment