German Gravity Knife, OFW

[Reibert]

Meanwhile have these pics of another M1963 with the manufacturer etched on the blade
WMF
72
found.

This specimen also lacks the manufacturer's logo on one of the two grip components, which is usually stamped under the butt cap by this manufacturer.

Don't believe in a coincidence anymore, i.e. in exchanged components from different manufacturers of the knife when disassembling for cleaning and assembling swapped components in the barracks.

[Reibert]

I have a German Bundeswehr gravity knife 1963 pattern with OFW on the blade. It would be perfect except when the blade is fully extended there is a small but noticeable wobble to it. ...

7 GRAVITY KNIVES FOR SALE - YouTube

[Reibert]

Here another Kappmesser / Fallmesser (gravity knife), M1963 made by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik).
Here again a WMF 72 which is not marked with WMF under the butt cap, like specimens of this manufacturer which only have the blade etching WMF (without year !) on the blade.

Interesting the G3 / HK33 bayonet with wire cutting function.
According to a 1984 Eickhorn sales catalogue, this model is referred to as the G3/S.

The M1963 and the "G3/S" were both found in the Ravensburg district.
The M1963 was offered there at a flea market.

The M1963 could, therefore, possibly have "served" in the "Fallschirmjägerregiment 31" Seedorf ("Luftlandebrigade 1").
Of course, this is pure speculation, since the M1963 was also issued in other units in the Bundeswehr, for example in the Panzertruppe.

The M1963 and the G3/S are unfortunately only in a "salty condition", but (in my opinion) still worth collecting.
The cutting edge of the blade of the M1963 is slightly ground, a sign that this Kappmesser was actually used in the troops and not just stayed in the soldiers' lockers.

[Reibert]

Some more Bundeswehr gravity knives, also commercial ones, You can find there:

Bundeswehr gravity knife 1963 pattern

[CaptainGrimes]

I recently saw one of these ( the '56 model) ...for $199. The same gentleman had a number of the '63 model for the same price. Is that about the going rate now? I'm still very tempted but had heard that the steel on the '56 model was subpar and that they were display pieces only, not that I was planning on actively using it anyways ...

[Reibert]

I recently saw one of these ( the '56 model) ...for $199. The same gentleman had a number of the '63 model for the same price. Is that about the going rate now? I'm still very tempted but had heard that the steel on the '56 model was subpar and that they were display pieces only, not that I was planning on actively using it anyways ...

German post war gravity knife.

[Danmark]

Thank you Reibert for a very informative thread. While it is not my area of collecting, it is great information for those that do!

Might I recommend it elevated to a 'sticky'?

[CaptainGrimes]

Thanks for the link, I'd vaguely remembered that thread but couldn't find it. I've been enjoying your posts for years, they are as Danmark said extremely informative.