UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum Gravity Knife question

I recently purchased a take down gravity knife in very good condition. A friend who makes parts and repairs these things looked at it and said it was a well made Chech reproduction. He pointed out things to look for compared to an original knife. He mentioned the first thing that tipped him off was the black marlin spike. He said the spike should be silver on period made originals. I found this kind of interesting as I seem to recall seeing many take downs with the black spike. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Hello Gelb 14,Do the wooden grip plate rivits happen to be made of copper? Thanks Geoff.

Geoff, I returned it yesterday so I'll have to go by memory. I don't believe the rivits were made of copper. All the external markings were correct, from the SMF hallmark to the eagle over 5 Waffen ampt, to the numbers on the individual parts. Internally is where you could see the difference.

Sounds to me like you sent back a good knife.

Hi Gelb14,heres an SMF takedown knife I have ,with a Blued spike.nats

http://members.lycos.nl/stantheman/Gravityknifes/page-1.htm

Spoke with the gentleman again today about the gravity knife. He explained what he meant by the black marlin spike being no good. It was not the fact that the spike was black, but the condition of the spike - it looked like it was blued yesterday. Period pieces will show signs of thinning and wear. Internally, the stamped numbers were in the wrong location, the catch that holds the bolster on was much longer then known originals, and the slot along the left side of the bolster was much to squared and well machined. Originals will be more rounded and not quite so perfect. This information comes from a gentleman who owns a machine shop that produces replacement levers and springs. He's been supplying Wittman and Johnson for years. He also repairs knives at the major shows. In fact, he'll be at the SOS this year. Many of the "originals" out there have his parts in them, you would be very surprised.

Nice piece Stan.