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
 
I used to have one many years ago, and they are cool to look at, but a pain to actually use. The blade tends to rub the handles, and it is almost a three hand opener. For the $10 it cost, it was neat, but I wouldn't waste any money on one for a user knife. Although an authentic antique might have collector's value...

DD

As to how they work: The handles are split, and rivetted with hinges. They fold outward, and over the blade. The new Smith and Wesson Powerglide is a modernized version, made with better materials. Here' a pic that kind of shows you how it works:

swpg.jpg
 
This is the real German parachute knife, a close modern version in actual service of the WW II original. (Colt imports this one with their logo imprinted but it's the same Eickhorn as the Germans use.)

The one you asked about is a modern version of a knife that never made it off the drawing board and German paratroopers never carried. I never held one but I imagine there are reasons they aren't real popular. :) Like Daniel Dorn said, "it is almost a three hand opener."

BTW the Colt is a gravity knife, illegal almost everywhere in the US, and it's a big, clumsy handle with a blade with lots of play. I've got one, it's interesting, and useful as a beater, but no beauty.
 
The WWII version is a very interesting item, however. Mine is nicely made with blued steel and wooden scales, weighing a ton by modern standards, and has a marlin spike on the other end for use in repairing web gear. It was carried in a 3-snap closing pocket located just about at knee level on the outside of the right leg in the special baggy falschirmjager pants. Of course, mine is a combat veteran and shows the wear.
 
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