Early Paratrooper’s Knife by SMF Type I – D602

It is always a pleasure to offer one of these Fallschrimjaeger paratrooper’s knives in the decent collectible condition as this one is in. The walnut grip plates remain in fine condition, beautifully matched with streaks of dark grain running through each panel. They show just light usage from the time that this knife was carried. Both remain firmly riveted and in place. The lanyard ring is tight as well, indicating that this knife was cared for by it’s owner, and saw light useage. The plated components comprised of the end cap and front / back springs remain fairly bright, with the normally seen surface wear of an edged weapon which was actually carried. The fore and aft springs which releases the blade and that of the marlin spike remain firm and tight, and function properly. As a side note, 20% of these early Type I’s ended up with broken springs in them, as the result of a manufacturing flaw in the design. That in itself was a pretty high failure rate when you actually think about it. But not this example, as it remains nice and tight in that regard.  The marlin spike is in excellent shape, full length, with a super sharp factory honed tip. It is properly marked with the stick eagle / #5 Waffenampt stamp. Finally the blade. It is full length, void of any sharpening or cutting edge chips. Though it has a nice crossgrain on both sides, the lower portion of the blade toward the tip displays some light surface scratches. Honestly, they are not all that bad for a knife which was carried during the 3rd Reich era. Beautifully etched and burnished on the reverse is the trademark of excellence which collectors know these knives by. And that is the seated king holding a an upright sword, the logo of the SMF edged weapon firm.  A pretty decent FJ knife, all in all.