COLD WAR ERA POLISH PARATROOPERS SHROUD CUTTING KNIFE.
These types of knives go back to the early days of the development of airborne operations. The idea was that a paratrooper would need quick access to a knife to help extricate himself if he becomes hung up or tangled in his parachute upon landing. The Germans in WWII invented the "gravity knife" for this purpose, and their jump smocks had a special pocket for it. The U.S. copied German doctrine but had the M2 "Parachutists' Knife", a switchblade, which also had its own special pocket in the M42 jump jacket. The M2's were issued to each man as he graduated from Jump School.
The scalloped sides are razor sharp, but the head it is blunted so you can push it under your harness without stabbing yourself. Both sides are identical. Polish issue marks WP-D and dated 53 to one side of the tang with issue number B9793 to the other side of the tang. This knife is in excellent condition and more than likely never been used.