The history of the WWII German Fighting Knife Dagger - The Third Reich issued a large number of edge weapons to the military and civilian organizations. somne of these blades were meant for combat while others were simply a status symbol. The high quality of construction and beautiful designs make these items desirable military collectibles. One of the interesting variations found was the fighting knife.

The fighting knife, also known as the boot knife, was first introduced during WWI. Trench warfare required the need to have a close quarters weapon in case that enemy troops infiltrated the lines. The trenches were not extremely wide. There was not alot of room to have large body movements. Hence the introduction of the fighting knife.

Fighting Knife Handles The handles were made of different materials and designs. One thing in common among them is that they were riveted together, either by two or three rivets. Some of the handles were very utilitarian. The wood was not nicely finished. The more expensive knives were executed in a mroe refined fashion. With smooth textures and brighter colors.

The fighting knife could have a variety of blade shapes. The photos to the left illustrate some of the differences found. The first blade is perhaps the most interesting due to its multi-surface nature. The Ricasso is larger than those found in other blades. For about half of its length the blade is single edge. After that it turns into double edge design. The transition is accentuated by a very square spine. The second blade is of single edge construction. The design is very similar to that seen in kitched knives. The last blade example of of double edge construction.

The scabbard was normally equipped with a large clip that allowed the knife to be carried on the belt or in a boot. Its design was formed of three elongated shape fingers. With the middle section being slightly lower than the rest. A checkered pattern is engraved in about 50% of each finger as it approaches the tip for the outer sections and closer to the base for the middle component. This feature was intended to provide added traction so the knife would not fall from the surface where it was holding to. However, some scabbards did not have this feature. They were equipped with a leather loopbelt that was riveted to the back section or they were equipped with a leather frog to attach to the belt.

The more examples of a particular dagger that are examined the more knowledge is gained about the particular piece. Differences in construction can be better appreciated. Markings on the blade and other sections are better understood. The overall knowledge about the dagger is expanded.

This section of the site provides several examples of the fighting knives.

WWII GERMAN FIGHTING KNIFE - 1 - Of smooth wooden handle with three rivets to hold in place. Metal scabbard with spring loaded clip.	WWII GERMAN FIGHTING KNIFE - 2 - Of smooth wooden handle with three rivets to hold in place. Metal scabbard with spring loaded clip.	WWII GERMAN PARATROOPER KNIFE - 3 - Of wooden handles. One side has the carving of an Oakleaf. The knife appears to have been modified.	WWII GERMAN TRENCH KNIFE - 4 - Of wooden handles. One side has the carving of an Oakleaf. The knife appears to have been modified.
WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE GRAVITY KNIFE - 5 - Of wooden handles. Manufactured by the Paul Weyersberg Company. Operational spring. Luftwaffe stamps.

Count	Unique Makers	Company	Description	Logo	Comments
1	1	Puma		The word PUMA is spelled out. 1a Gusstahl placed above.	Solingen
2	2	Union		The word UNION is spelled out. Just below is Zell St.Bt.	n/a
3	3	Unknown		Short pyramid structure with number 5 or letter S inside.	n/a
4	4		n/a	n/a	n/a

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