05 Czech Fightning Knife 1-F-97 FALCO, 2002

Since 1997, deep reconnaissance units have used this assault knife designated 1-F-97 FALCO. The knife is currently used by the 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion in Prostějov and it is also part of the unit’s emblem. The knife is made exclusively for them, which is why it is included in the emblem. This knife was designed by Ing. Roman Hippík and made by the Brno bladesmith Lubomír Maďarič. The knife is patented and the soldiers finance its purchase themselves. The FALCO combat knife is made of spring steel 14260. Its straight blade with a double-sided centre rib and centre point is ground on both sides to the point. There is a saw for cutting parachute cords on the bottom and a thumb rest on the top. On the outside of the blade are the makers’ marks – the monogram “HR” and a sword mark with the name “MAĎARIČ”. Under the simple guard, the blade is marked with a serial number, in which the first letter indicates the production series, followed by a three-digit serial number of the knife and a two-digit year of production. On the inside of the blade is stamped the Latin inscription “SPEM RETINE” (Never lose hope) and the emblem of the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion in Bechyně (the original unit of the weapon’s holder).