All About Pocket Knives

I found this at a yard sale about a year ago. Had a heck of a time trying to figure out why the blade just flopped out without power. Then i remembered reading somewhere about these weird things called gravity knives. You face it down, push the button, and the blade locks open. Face it up, push the button, and the blade locks closed. Weird huh? I think that's what i have here. If not it's just a knife with a broken spring. Tang stamp says... Eickhorn, rostfrei, 1959. It is 5 1/4 inches closed and 9 inches open. Can anyone give me any more info on this one? Oh yea, also stamped on blade, some kinda half rabbit half squirrel. Thanks, Mike.

Yes , sometimes called a trapdoor . German Luftwaffe military issue , should have the Eagle (German code of arms) embossed on the front cover , these are made with a few different markings and are gravity release , no spring.

Wiseguy, I looked all over and could not find any eagle. maybe to worn out to see. was wondering is 1959 stamp a model # or the year produced? Mike.

That would be the year made , these are the 3rd generation Luftwaffe grav knives the first 2 have a wooden handles the 4th has olive kaki plastic

mgdelpriore wrote:Wiseguy, I looked all over and could not find any eagle. maybe to worn out to see. was wondering is 1959 stamp a model # or the year produced? Mike.

Very cool yard sale find. Score!

~Q~

Thanks you guys. mike.

I like the knife, much better quality than that seen in many such knives.

I had a wood handled one with the marlin spike that was given to me by a WWII Army veteran. He had taken it off a German POW. I eventually sold it.

You do need to familiarize yourself with your State and any Federal laws re' "gravity knives".

Don't send it through the USPS or across State Lines until you know the risks.

Generally speaking, they should be thought of as illegal.

Not suggesting you get rid of it; if I had found it, I'd keep it.

Just don't try to walk into a Federal building with it in your pocket.

Charlie Noyes

YIKES, I didn't know that. I only carry a case russlock. I know about switchblades, what about the new style assisted openers? Remember guys, loose lips sink ships, so we didn't see that one here. Mike.

Here's another Eickhorn I found at a antique store. I think it's a paratrooper knife. all metal, and this one has the eagle on it. Mike.

mgdelpriore wrote:Here's another Eickhorn I found at a antique store. I think it's a paratrooper knife. all metal, and this one has the eagle on it. Mike.

Hope you didn't pay a lot for it because it is a fantasy knife. Created by someone in England in the early 1970's they even featured the aged look. I bought one many years ago and fortunately someone told me about them beforehand.I believe the same people were selling Wells Fargo Bowies and belt buckles. Had a whole catalog of similar stuff.

Are you saying it's a fake? If so, I guess they got me for thirty bucks back in 99. OOOPS!!! Mike.

mgdelpriore wrote:Are you saying it's a fake? If so, I guess they got me for thirty bucks back in 99. OOOPS!!! Mike.

Unfortunately it is Mike. First one I've seen with a tag on it though.

Oh man! I guess that's what I get for buying something I don't know about. I wonder if they will buy it back? He he!!!