French Dive Knife Contemporary WW II Design

Presented is a French WW II style dive knife that looks to be of recent
make and in like new condition. It was purchased from Germany from a dealer. It is not one of the cheap examples that
have been known to break at the hilt due to a short stub tang. This one weighs 3 pounds 13 ounces which is almost 1 1/2 pounds
more than the WW II example to which we are comparing it. The brass and steel have a high polish
and show no imperfections. The blade has a reasonably sharp edge. Like all of the French dive knives we’ve sold,
it has no markings.  There is a drain hole at the bottom of the scabbard. Shown below the knife is housed in its scabbard.

The main differences in this knife
are: Blade is held on each side by
metal brass clamps in the hilt instead of wood The tang is locked in place at
the end of the pommel by a slotted round nut instead of being peened.NOTE: A French customer who is expert in vintage
diving gear tells us “There are several kinds of French knives. They’re made in 2 sizes with 3 kinds
of blades (only for Denayrouze type). Cabirol is different.” Unfortunately, there is little documented
information as to when any of these French knives were made or who made them.

      Close-up of reverse
side of blade over hilt. Both sides are the same.

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Pommel showing slotted tang screw
above metal blade clamps at ricasso.