GDR Para-knife KM66

[Reibert]

Today I received this KM66, (Kampfmesser 66).

I own several of this NVA, (Nationale Volks-Armee der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik), para-knives but, this is the first one, I catched together with it´s box !

BTW, this is a 3rd variant KM66

overall lenght: ca. 26,5 cm
blade lenght: ca. 14,6 cm

Such GDR para-knives are not scarce, but, quite collectible !

The correct designation of this knife:
Kampfmesser 108, or, Kampfmesser TGL 108 - 64 019

Best,

R.

[VocelkaV]

Hello Reibert!
Nice knife,dou you know anything more about this type:
-how many produced?
-which period was it used?
I can still see a few ones for sale in original condition, what is the reason for that? too many produced, and remained on stock?

I believe that tha grip can insulate 500V , right?

[Reibert]

Hi !

The Kampfmesser 66 was introduced in 1966 and was used in para and recon units and was improved in 1969/70 and 1970/71.
At first the bakelite grips were too fragile, later the quality of the blades was too bad ...
In 1974 and 1975 the 3rd variant was delivered.

You can make out the three variants on whose different measures.
The blade always is phosphated.

500V means the dielectric strenght.

The KM 66 was stored in a side pocket of the paratroopers combat dress trousers.

There´re forgeries known !
Genuine blades later, (after the fall of the GDR), were supplimented with new grips.
But, it´s not really difficult to recognize such fakes.

There:
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/bayon...-para-s-25747/
you can see some more KM66.

Here´s another KM66,( showing a low weapons-number):

[Reibert]

Today I received another IIIrd variant, (heavilly used, but I like fighting knives in such condition ! ).

It´s rel. easy to get the IIIrd Model, the 2nd variant isn´t really that hard to find but it´s hard to find the 1st variant.

Anyway, I like this pattern Fighting knife and I don´t care to get a 3rd variant again ...

[Walkwolf]

Great daggers Reibert.........!

[Reibert]

Great daggers Reibert.........!

Simple made and very effective, indeed !

[VocelkaV]

How does the first pattern look like?

[Reibert]

How does the first pattern look like?

Quick: The lanyard, (web sling), fastened on the top of the hilt, could have been slung trough a ring, fastened in a notch, milled in the crossguard.

You can find some more informations rgd. the NVA KM66 there:
NVA Paratrooper Combat Knife / Kampfmesser M 1966 / KM66 - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums

[Reibert]

More of them:

https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/bayon...-para-s-25747/

[Reibert]

How does the first pattern look like?

Finally I got one of these, absolutely scarce, KM66 1st pattern !

In September 1990 an Bundeswehr-Para was stationed in Lehnin, (former GDR).
During the maneuver this Para received three KM66 first pattern from the "Kammerbulle", (quatermaster sergeant), there.
The serial numbers: 617, 620, and, 621

In the end he kept the knife with No. 617, and, No. 621.

Knife No. 621 the vet sold to me days ago.

I´m permitted to show images, shot by the former para soldier of the Bundeswehr.

My pc collapsed totally days ago ! ...
Meanwhile I´m working with an "backup" -system only temporary.
I hope, I´m able to post better images of this KM66 1st pattern soon ...