The landing knife belongs to the category of edged cutting weapons. It is combined with a blade with a blade and a handle. Modern alloys in aggregation with alloyed elements and non-metallic components make it possible to create modifications of various strengths and purposes. A special category includes combat varieties for performing narrowly focused operations that are beyond the power of conventional options
Landing knife sling cutter
The specified model is a special tool for cutting slings, belts, ropes and ropes. As a rule, it is equipped with a blade with a diamond-shaped concave configuration. Sharpening done in a serrated way.
The weapon of this type was developed in the 30s of the last century as an auxiliary tool for paratroopers. He helped paratroopers get rid of an unopened or tangled canopy. In this regard, this modification has become an integral accessory of ammunition in most of the armed forces of world states.
The history of the creation of a sling cutter
Parachutes came into widespread use among flight crews in the early 20syears of the last century. Over the course of 10 years, many improved and new modifications have been developed that are not reliable. For intentional jumps, they began to be used in the 30s.
For example, the parachute structure in Nazi Germany had the impossibility of quickly assembling the canopy by adjusting the length of the lines. In this regard, fighters in gusty winds often found themselves in an uncomfortable position when they were dragged along the ground and overturned. The landing knife allowed to free itself, had compact dimensions and low weight. The first modification was the Kappmmesser sling cutter and the FKM cutter. Mass use of them began in 1937. These versions are known for their durability and ease of use, making them popular all over the world.
German wartime landing knife
The initial two modifications of the weapons in question were developed before the end of the Second World War. Among the features - the presence of clamping devices on the sheath, allowing you to place the knife on different parts of the uniform (shaft, belt, tunic). This type of carrying became the prototype of the modern method of transporting such devices.
The first variation of the M-1937 was produced from 1937 to 1941, the design is similar to the classic pen analog with a standard blade and a drop-shaped tip. It was fastened with copper rivets to a walnut or oak handle. It had a bracket for fixing the cord. In the marching position, the blade was placed in the inner part of the handle.
To revealThe cutter didn't have to put in much effort. To do this, with one hand they pressed the spring latch on the back of the handle, tilted the device forward and performed an intense swing. The German landing knife unfolded under the influence of gravity. The next pressing of the locking lever and turning the tool upside down ensured its folding. Such a transformation system became the reason for its names (“inertial” or “gravitational”).
Features
The blade of the landing knife was made of nickel-plated stainless steel. Its length was 105 or 107 millimeters, the thickness of the butt was 4.0-4.2 mm. The design is of a non-separable type, they also note the high strength of the material and resistance to corrosion. Blade configuration - arrow-shaped, the heel on the right side was equipped with a lateral longitudinal protrusion.
The design of the weapon includes a pile in the form of an awl, focused on unraveling slings and knots, searching for mines. The specified tool was in the folding compartment (length - 93 mm). This element was not equipped with a lock, it was held in an open position using the heel shape in the form of the English letter Z. The knife was carried on special pockets of parachute pants under the right knee of the equipment.
To remove the weapon, the fighter must unfasten the buttons and take out the landing knife by the cord, which was fixed with one edge to the handle handle, and the other - to the jacket. Such a system made it possible to quickly retrieve the tool, while at the same time guaranteeing its safety. The main disadvantages of the product were considered a springa fuse that often fails and design features that complicate cleaning in the field.
Next modification
The first version of the landing knife, the photo of which is below, was produced by Paul Weyersberg & Co and SMF, as evidenced by the corresponding branded logos on the blade. The second generation of the considered weapon M-1937 was produced from 1941 to 1945. The modification had several upgrades, was easily transformed into elements without the use of additional devices, easy to clean, had high maintainability, up to replacing a broken blade.
In addition, due to a decrease in funding due to hostilities, products were no longer coated with a nickel composition, instead of which an oxide coating was used. Versions of 44-45 years were made of carbon blued steel. This was displayed on the exterior of the knife (the guard and the retainer were distinguished by a darker color). A few more changes are related to manufacturers. Their line was replenished by the company E. A. Heibig, and the brand was put in the form of a factory code. At that time, these weapons became part of the ammunition of paratroopers, tank crews and the German Navy.
Analogues
The parachutist's knife from German manufacturers turned out to be practical and useful, in connection with which, units of other countries actively began to produce sling cutters, reshaping the product to suit specific needs. Among other manufacturers after the Germans, the first was the English company George Ibberson &Co. The model is an almost identical replica of the German counterpart of the second generation.
The only difference from the Wehrmacht landing knife is the handle, the material of which is fiberglass with embossed stripes. The weapon was intended for special units of Britain. At present, such products are very rare. According to some reports, all available modifications were buried in the North Sea after the war.
Another well-known English analogue is a device for paratroopers called Trois FS. It was developed by a couple of members of the Shanghai police, and the peak of active use falls on 1939-1945. This model was popular with the British "commandos" during assault operations.
American variations
The development of landing knives was also actively carried out in the units of the US Army. Description of modification M-2 is given below:
- configuration - single blade knife;
- unfolding type - automatic with a button;
- equipment - a spring-lever serving as a blocker, a bracket.
When folded, a cantilever spring was placed along the back of the handle. She fit on the stopper, unlocked by pressing the button. The design of the product also included a self-opening stopper, which is a slider configuration fuse. The weapon was worn on the chest of a special overall.
Modification of the M-2 is appreciated by the airborne unitsUnited States, recommended for use by flight teams with some design modifications. The updated version was named MS-1, it was made in the form of a folding version, on the reverse side of which a hook-shaped sling cutter with a concave tip was provided. Since 1957, this model has been part of the equipment of pilot crews during emergency and rescue operations.
Bayonets
Special attention should be paid to landing bayonet-knives. In this direction, several variations have been developed in the Soviet and Russian armies:
- Bayonet for the Mosin rifle. This truly terrible melee weapon inflicted deep penetrating and long-lasting wounds. This feature is due to the tetrahedral shape of the needle blade and a small inlet, which makes it impossible to realistically assess the depth and severity of the lesion.
- Bayonet for AK (model 1949). It is worth noting that the first Kalashnikov assault rifles were not equipped with bayonets at all. The product "6 x 2" appeared only in 1953, it had a blade identical to the analogue for the SVT-40 rifle, however, with a different locking mechanism. In general, the design of the product turned out to be quite successful.
- 1959 pattern bayonet. This modification for the AK-74 has been replaced with a lightweight and versatile version based on an experimental model developed by Lieutenant Colonel Todorov.
AKM and AK-74 equipment (1978 and 1989)
The bayonet-knife of the 1978 model has become a kind of callingcard of the USSR in the military market. The Kalashnikov assault rifle is known all over the world, in some countries it is even depicted on the elements of the coat of arms (Zimbabwe, East Timor). The product is made in a classic configuration for its segment, multifunctional, practical and reliable.
The 1989 version is a completely different bayonet configuration from its predecessor. The shape of the blade has changed, as has the material of the hilt and scabbard. The mount type has also undergone modernization, being located on the right in a horizontal plane. The developers believe that the changed configuration of the blade and attachment will avoid the blade stop between the ribs of the enemy in close combat.
VDV knives
In this direction of armament of the troops of the USSR and the Russian Federation, several practical and reliable versions can also be noted. Airborne landing knives are represented by the following modifications:
- Regular sling cutter of paratroopers of the USSR. Despite the extremely practical use of the product for cutting the details of a tangled parachute, the model clearly belongs to combat types, and quite serious ones at that. The presence of a double-sided saw made it possible to inflict lacerated wounds. And if you sharpen the blunt part of the leaf end of the blade, you get a full-fledged melee weapon.
- Russian modern modification - a knife with automatic front ejection of the blade, which is sharpened on both sides. At the same time, the piercing point is also absent.
Finally
Among the special knives, there are many morerepresentatives. The most dangerous and reliable ones include special NKVD Finns, models for divers, versions for special squads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as premium and specific variations of the Navy, marines and other special forces. Not the last place is occupied by a landing knife-string cutter, the characteristics and features of which are indicated above.
