MG-42 Damast Dagger

With the classically elegant Boker MG-42 Damast Dagger, the legacy of Boker’s historic Damascus steel projects is crowned with another exceptional collector’s piece. The MG-42 stands as one of the most internationally recognized milestones in weapons engineering—renowned for its revolutionary manufacturing methods, exceptional reliability, ease of operation, and an unprecedented rate of fire. As the war progressed, raw materials and production time became decisive factors. Although highly effective, the MG-34 proved too complex and resource-intensive to manufacture. The Army Ordnance Office therefore sought a successor that would retain functional excellence while significantly streamlining production. The new machine gun was also intended to serve as a standardized weapon across multiple roles, including infantry, anti-aircraft, airborne, and emplacement use. Rather than tasking a traditional weapons designer, the project was entrusted to Werner Gruner, a mechanical engineer at the Johannes Großfuß metal and lacquerware factory. Supported by experienced firearms specialists, Gruner focused not on refining performance, but on optimizing manufacturing efficiency. The consistent use of stamped sheet metal in place of milled components—and the deliberate omission of precision in non-functional areas—resulted in a weapon that surpassed its predecessor in reliability while dramatically reducing production time and cost. Outstanding performance under all weather conditions, rapid barrel changes within seconds, and a remarkable cyclic rate of 1,500 rounds per minute (25 rounds per second) quickly established the MG-42’s formidable reputation. A braking system using additional mass in the breech assembly allowed the rate of fire to be reduced to approximately 700 rounds per minute, lowering ammunition consumption. These technical achievements were made possible by a cam-controlled roller locking system. In a modified form, the MG-42 remains in service today as the MG 3, the standard machine gun of the German armed forces. Rare original examples from the Second World War now command prices between $40,000 and $60,000 at Rock Island Auctions. Authentic MG-42 steel forms the heart of this extraordinary dagger. Forged by Boker’s longtime partner Chad Nichols, the double-edged blade features discreet fullers on both sides and is crafted in the Low Layer Raindrop Damascus pattern (40 layers). The symmetrical blade geometry beautifully accentuates the pattern’s depth and movement. The guard and pommel are machined from solid stainless steel. The pommel incorporates design elements inspired by the cooling fins and gas ports of the MG-42’s recoil booster—originally a multifunctional component serving as recoil amplifier, flash suppressor, and barrel guide. Here, form once again follows function, as the grooves enhance grip security, particularly in reverse handling. Guard and pommel seamlessly frame the barrel-shaped hornbeam handle, whose ergonomic profile naturally centers the dagger in the hand. The dagger is paired with a high-quality dark brown leather sheath featuring a belt loop and localized reinforcement for durability. Presented in an elegant frame-style display case that creates a floating effect, the MG-42 Damast Dagger includes a certificate of authenticity and an individual serial number, underscoring its status as a distinguished collector’s item.