Gravity Knife 101

[Luftm40]

Can one of our "duty experts" give a run down on Luftwaffe gravity knives? I run across these from time to time, and have always wanted to add one to my collection, but I don't know that much about them.

- What to look for in an original

- What makers exist

- Are there postwar West German or other country gravity knives that can be mistaken for original?

[John Hodgin]

Hi Andy,

Do a Forum search and read what has already been written; some good information there. IME, the most common encountered makers are Weyersberg and SMF, but also Eickhorn, and there are others. Late war are RB numbered and some (as Peter and François taught me) are unmarked. Gravity knives are faked, and very well, in the take down version. It's hard to hide legitimate age, so as with helmets and weapons, consider the same fine details..wear, patina, etc.. As with helmets, active or artifical rust is a big red flag. Don't rule out the odd mint one; I have an unissued Weyersberg that I obtained about 1966/67 from the US vet. that brought it back.

Here is a repro SMF and an authentic Weyersberg.
Regards, John

PS: Nice B&N jump badge! Congrats.!

[Joseph Wu]

Hi Andy,

Please check this website:
http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/ha...78/gravff.html

Nice kinfe, John . I like the lanyard most.

Regards,

Joseph