I've seen several examples of SA and SS blades with a canted blade edge... meaning the edge of the blade is not flat like "]" but shaped like a ">". In the examples I have, it is obviously factory done and not a post war grind. I have also seen Wittmann describe some SS/SA blades as canted. Has anyone else seen this on a political dagger?

Pictures would help here. Or maybe a sketch.

Dave

You probably need better macro shots but here goes. Once again, the blade edge has been finished in a > shape instead of ]shape.

The arrows show the widest part at the crossguard and it continues down the blade.

This is as close to a mint blade as you can get. The blade edge is factory done.

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Skyline, I’m not a knife maker, but I’ve seen what you are describing referred to as a “bevel”. It’s not seen with period German service bayonets, but is a standard feature for example with the U.S. WW II period M-4 (carbine) bayonets. For the M-4’s it was done to put an actual cutting edge on the bayonet.

My guess here is that it was done to narrow the blade to allow it to fit a gauge or fixture. Said gauge being used to ensure that blades were not too wide to fit scabbards, or for some other criteria. And by beveling the blade - it eliminated a lot of fooling around and very likely the necessity to regrind the entire blade.

PS: I’ve seen drop forged period blades with a perceptible curve in them. And others with a slight twist. So I’m very glad that you posted the pictures you did, because I wasn’t sure just what exactly was being discussed. Also my compliments for a very nice blade! FP