Gravity knife

[Bob J.]

For review is a non-take down gravity/paratrooper knife. It looks correct 1st model but does not have "ROSTREFI" below the maker marks. All parts are magnetic as would be correct for carbon steel not stainless. Lever has number 17 inside and on side of housing. Blade works correct but has some sharpening. Pick is complete with bird on side. Opinions please, Thanks.

[Bob J.]

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Additional photos

[Operation Cobra]

Hello Bob, I have only just started collecting these gravity knives so my opinion counts for nothing but.....
It looks ok to me. Usual condition. I like it

[Wolfe8918]

Looks good to me. Wear and construction look right.

[AndyC]

Looks like a good first model sharpened Gravity knife to me



Andy

[djtshc]

I think you have a Type IIa first model gravity knife which does indeed have a carbon steel blade rather than stainless or “rostfrei.” Looks like the real deal as far as wear goes. Nice find!

[phild]

Stainless steel can be found both magnetic and non magnetic. I agree that the blade is not stainless but I supsect that most or even all other parts are stainless. Either way it is a rare variation and I have only heard of a couple of others, in addition to one that I own. These are not in recent book (or previous book) as they are that scarce.

I would consider them a type I transitional and indeed a SMF version is shown in Bruning’s 2018 book.

[mwl]

To me too, a perfectly fine carbon steel blade Fliegerkappmesser

[sutka]

guys if the stainless is magnetic that indicate low quality high iron content like my stainless still bbq weber made in china

[phild]

I just checked about a half dozen Type I knives, both makers and all stainless. All metal parts are magnetic.

Stainless steel was relatively expensive to produce during WWII and earlier, from a blade standpoint it was inferior to high carbon steel as it would not hold an edge as well and was softer. Stainless was selected as the material for these knives because the Original design could not be disassembled for cleaning or rust prevention. That was not a real issue with the type II design