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1 U.S. World War 2 Richtig fighting knife available.  Richtig fighters of this style (with brass guard and aluminum pommel) are pictured in Bill Walters’ Book II, and in Bill Wright’s Theater Knives book.  This desirable Richtig fighting knife would make an important addition to any U.S. military or world militaria collection. 

This knife was made by a legend in knife-making.  Frank Richtig had a secret steel tempering process that allowed him to slice through railroad spikes and automobile leaf springs.  Frank would demonstrate this at county fairs–after slicing a railroad spike or leaf spring, he would slice through a piece of paper with the same knife.  Frank earned himself a spot in a ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ magazine in the 1930’s.  These knives can be used for decades, because of Frank’s superior craftsmanship.

This knife measures 10 1/8″ overall.  The blade itself measures 5 7/8″.  There is no sheath with this knife.  This Richtig knife is one of the unmarked knives that Richtig made.  Richtig was told by the War Production Board that he was only allowed to use a certain quantity of metals deemed important to the War effort.  Richtig called that decision ‘bul_____’–he felt what would be of greater importance than using these important metals in weapons?  So he made fighting knives during World War 2 beyond what the government allowed; he didn’t mark these knives made above his metals quota with his name, so the government couldn’t come after him.  

A brass guard/aluminum pommel Richtig dagger is hard to find–this knife would make a great acquisition for any collector.