This book provides fellow collectors with a detailed reference on the famed World War II Luftwaffe gravity knife (Flieger-Kappmesser). The book dispels many common misconceptions about the gravity knife's origin, purpose, evolution and history while thoroughly familiarizing the reader with every facet of the gravity knife. To this end the book presents the reader an historical context with which to view the knife and imparts an appreciation for the gravity knife's development and use. As well, through the provision of a general historical backdrop, by briefly introducing the Luftwaffe and its formations, the reader gains an better understanding of how the knife fits into the larger scheme relative to its time and other weapons. As well this book demonstrates, from an historical perspective, that the knife bears testament to the high level of German technology that emerged during the 1930s. Innovative, ergonomic, and of the highest quality, it truly stands far above its contemporaries. The FKm is, undeniably, a state-of-the-art knife from its time. 220 b/w photographs