German Fighting Knife

Product Description: This original German Fighting Knife is a “been there” piece. The blade has some dark staining, perhaps a result of moisture in the scabbard. There are scratches and wear to the blade, typical for a knife that was carried and used. It’s got an unknown manufacturer stamp on the blade ricasso. It’s a typical style, full tang knife, with smooth wooden grips. The grips have attractive old patination, and show signs of use. The original grip rivets are intact. The metal scabbard of this German fighting knife is a desirable variant, with a single, long metal clip for affixing it to a belt, boot or uniform. The scabbard retains most of its original, black, painted finish, showing some wear. The bare metal areas on the scabbard have an old patina. The overall condition of this knife is very good. It’s a very evocative artifact, with a real “field” look.

Historical Description: The typical German fighting knife of the World Wars was a conventional, general purpose knife, sturdily made, with a full tang and slab grips, and a steel scabbard. The blade length was about 6 inches long. Between 1914 and 1918, there were many makers of these knives, known as “Grabenmesser” (trench knives). Wood handles were common, and most had a leather belt loop on the scabbard. Some of these knives were privately purchased by the soldiers, while others were issue items. There were many variations, including stag grips, solid metal handles, and even some with offest handles and slots that allowed them to be fixed to rifles, bayonet style. In WWII, the knives were generally similar but featured metal clips on the scabbard, rather than the leather belt loop. The issue-type, standard WWII knife was eventually designated “Infanteriemesser 42” (Infantry knife 1942) and was an issue item not only to the Army, but also to Luftwaffe troops. 

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