M 1917 – Officer's Variant General Bílý

While ordinary members of assault units were equipped with the standard M-1917 assault knife, its officer's variant was a prestige piece. Among assault units it directly symbolised hierarchical rank. In other branches of the military, this knife had more the character of a fashion accessory that, during combat command, replaced the sabre.

One of the most significant commanders in our military history was Army General Josef Bílý. An exceptional commander, he demonstrated his skills both in the ranks of the Austro-Hungarian Army on the Eastern and Italian fronts, and in building the army of the newly formed Czechoslovakia. After the rise of Nazism he actively joined the resistance — he initiated and led the underground resistance organisation Obrana národa (Defence of the Nation). "Long live Czechoslovakia! Dogs, fire!" were his last words before the firing squad in 1941.

Among the estate of this exceptional commander, a large number of edged weapons remained — many of which can be seen in the collections of the Military History Institute in Prague at Žižkov. His M-1917 knife in its officer's version is, however, part of a private collection. That was one of the reasons we decided to produce a replica as a tribute to the general — a true soldier and a model of honour.

The 33 cm knife with a central point and false edge fully met the demands of trench warfare. A cross-guard in the shape of an ellipse protected the hand. The handle consisted of two wooden scales fastened with three rivets to the blade tang. The knife was carried in a steel sheath with a leather loop.

The blade was made from stainless steel AISI 420. The forging, crest, and sheath tip are in a brass alloy. The grips are in stained beechwood with a herringbone pattern. The sheath is in sheet steel and matte-black bovine leather. The knife is delivered in a padded wooden case with a certificate of authenticity and a publication on the history of this weapon.

The officer's variant of the M.1917 General Bílý knife was manufactured in autumn 2019 in a run of 200 pieces. The price was 7,700 CZK, of which 500 CZK went to the Military Solidarity Fund.