BÖKER fixed-blade knife MG-42 Damascus dagger

BÖKER fixed-blade knife MG-42 Damascus dagger item no. 121506DAM

total length 25.4 cm
blade length 13.5 cm
weight 195 g
blade thickness 5.0 mm
blade material Damascus 8-8 Flak damast
handle material hornbeam
manufacturer Boker, Solingen, Germany

The classically elegant Boker MG-42 Damascus dagger is another jewel in the crown of Boker's historic Damascus steel projects. Above all, the then revolutionary manufacturing technique with consistent use of stamped sheet metal parts, exceptional reliability and user-friendliness and a previously unknown cadence make the MG-42 one of the internationally recognised milestones in weapons technology.

As the war progressed, raw materials and production time became increasingly critical and decisive factors. The Heereswaffenamt (German Army Ordnance) was therefore looking for a successor to the MG-34, which was already convincing in its function but took up too much time and material due to its complex production. The new machine gun was also to serve as a standard weapon for light, anti-aircraft, on-board and blindfolding purposes. Since the central task was not to improve the product, but to optimise the manufacturing process, a proven specialist in mass production was commissioned with the new design, rather than an arms expert. The choice fell on Werner Gruner, a mechanical engineer at the Johannes Großfuß metal and lacquer goods factory. Gruner was probably supported by experienced weapons designers during the development. The consistent use of stamped sheet metal parts instead of milled parts and the lack of attention to detail that was not crucial to its function made it possible to build a weapon that was even more reliable than its predecessor, while significantly reducing production time and costs. Virtually trouble-free operation and shooting accuracy in all weather conditions, the ability to change hot-shot barrels in seconds and a rate of fire of 1,500 rounds per minute (25 rounds/second) established the MG-42's reputation. A brake in the form of an additional mass in the breech cavity made it possible to reduce the immense rate of fire to 700 rounds/minute and thus to reduce ammunition consumption. A roller-delay breech controlled by a cam mechanism made these impressive technical specifications possible. In a slightly modified form, the MG-42 is still the standard machine gun of the German Bundeswehr today as the MG 3. Rare originals from the Second World War fetch between $40,000 and $60,000 at Rock Island Auctions.

Our long-standing and experienced partner Chad Nicols forges the steel of the MG-42 into the centrepiece of the dagger, the double-edged blade with a subtle hollow groove on both sides.  

The handle and pommel of the dagger are made of solid stainless steel. The cooling fins and gas outlets of the recoil intensifier (actually a combined component with the functions recoil intensifier, muzzle flash hider and barrel guide sleeve) have been incorporated into the pommel as a design element. Nevertheless, form follows function here as well, because the grooves increase the grip of the dagger when held in the reverse grip. The tang and pommel hold the barrel-shaped hornbeam wood handle seamlessly, which automatically centres itself in the hand due to its shape. The dagger comes with a high-quality dark brown leather sheath with belt loop and reinforced base. Delivered in an elegant frame case for a seemingly floating presentation, certificate of authenticity and individual serial number.

To purchase this knife, you must be 18 years or older and provide a copy of your ID. Therefore, the knife can only be purchased by authorised persons.

By email to

kontakt@scharferladen.de

The payment service provider PayPal has asked us, Messer Rödter, Hof, as well as other German merchants, to stop selling switchblades. Otherwise, PayPal would terminate the business relationship.

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The situation is now that we continue to sell switchblades, but do not settle them via PayPal.

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