German Paratrooper

Diamond Cut II

Diamond Cut II

Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
1,245
I was browsing KZ and this knife caught my eye. It has a weird design and I'd like to know how it works. I might be gettin a mini paratrooper to carry around with me. Does anyone have any info on this knife? Thanks.


-DC2
 
Euh, pardon me if I am wrong, but these are gravity knives, generally submitted to the same restrictions than autos in the states.
 
I came across that same webpage several months ago and was also interested in the knife so I added one to my collection.

I purchased the current model LL80 packaged as the Colt Search & Rescue knife. I bought this one because it sells for about $40.00, the green military version sells for about $80.00...same knife except the Colt version's blade is partially serrated, it has the Colt logo acid etched onto the blade and the handle is black instead of green. I prefer the knife in black and the Colt logo buffed off fairly easily. Also, I feel this type of knife should have a serrated blade.

How it works: It is a gravity knife...to exposed the blade you have to slide your thumb under the lever which frees the blade to fall out to it's open position. Once open the blade is locked and ready for use. It does take some getting used to but after some practice it works quit well. I did handle the same model knife which by pressing the lever also freed the blade but on mine the spring is too stiff to work that way. To close it you have to manipulate the lever the same way, point the blade upwards and it simply falls back into the handle and locks in place. It's a one hand operated system and I think it's quit clever!

The knife is kind of bulky so it might not carry well in your pocket but the same bulkyness makes it very easy to feel for and find in the bottom of a shoulder bag or field bag.

Mine came with OK sharpness but not razor sharp so I did have to spend some time on the blade.

I think it's a cool and fun knife and worth the $40.00.

Good luck with your knife shopping!
 
The modern German issue gravity knives are made by Eickhorn of solingen (who makes most issue cutlery, except for the small utility pocket knife which use to be made by victorinox, and now the Italians are making it, still asking myself why????).

anyway when I was stationed in Frankfurt Germany (Rheinmain AB) in the late 80s, early 90s you could buy one of thes for about thirty dollars. you have to be careful as there are alot of knockoffs out there. They are an interesting conversation piece, but there not really much of a good use otherwise. They were made to sever parachute lines, and not to be a "real survival tool". The Materials and construction are not really worth the money you could end up spending to get one now.
However if you want to have one just to have it, its not that bad (just remeber theres not alot of uses for it).

If you can find the older ones with wood slabs they would be worth some money, but buyer beware they are often copied!!

hope this helps!!
 
I agree with rev_jch, the materials and construction are not worth the $80.00ish prices that I've seen them advertised for.

I ordered my Colt CSAR knife which is a model LL80 from Eickhorn from 888knivesrus for 39.95 and the shipping was free. I did not find a lower price.

If this is one of those knives you want to add to your collection check out their website.

It is a cool and fun knife. You will have to spend some time on the blade if you want it razor sharp!

Happy shopping.
 
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