Original British Post-WWII 1950’s Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger Fighting Knife and Scabbard Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. One of the most iconic edged weapons ever designed, the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife saw extensive use during and after World War II and has cemented its legacy as one of the greatest fighting knives ever designed. This is a great post-war example that will fit well into any FS-Knife collection!

This is a very nice 1950’s-era Fairbairn-Sykes style Commando dagger manufactured by J. Nowill & Sons, Sheffield England. This example is in near-mint condition with the original scabbard in great condition besides some very minor paint chipping to the metal tip of the scabbard. The elastic band that holds the handle in place is still pliable and functions as intended. The blade still has a sharp edge, possibly the original factory sharpening. The condition of the blade does not indicate it was used at all. The blade and handle has 99 percent of the original finish present. The crossguard is still tight.The blade is marked “J. NOWILL & SONS SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND ESTABLISHED A.D. 1700”

A great example of a rare knife in post-war configuration that would still fit well into any British WWII collection.

History of the FS British Commando Dagger Fighting Knife:

The demand for a good fighting knife was so very urgent that a meeting was arranged in November 1940 between W. E. Fairbairn, E. A. Sykes and Jack Wilkinson Latham at Wilkinson Sword Company.

Fairbairn and Sykes described the type of knife they envisioned and the purpose for which it was intended. As discussion continued, preliminary sketches were drawn up and modified time and time again.

As Robert Wilkinson Latham tells it: ‘In order to explain exactly their point, the two men rose to their feet and one, it was Fairbairn my grandfather mentioned, grabbed the wood ruler from his desk and the two men danced around the office in mock combat’.

The very first 1st Pattern F-S Fighting Knives were made in November 1940. In January 1941, the full war full production started, according to Robert Wilkinson Latham.

The grip was made from solid brass and cut by 16 lines per inch in a diamond pattern.

The grip and hand guard were nickel plated. The hand guard was curved to S-shape.

The blade was grounded by hand. For this reason it is difficult to find two blades of exactly the same size and shape. This model was produced in very limited numbers.

The very first 1st Pattern Wilkinson Sword F-S knives were ordered the 14th of November 1940. Order 294 mentions 500 ‘RBD and Commercial knives’ but possibly less. They were called in this way in the order to disguise the actual type of knife.

The 1st Pattern was delivered from November 1940 until April 1941. 17th of December 1940 5000 “hunting knives” were ordered. This order concerned the first 1st Pattern knives. Price for each was 13 s 6d. All together 6 779 – 1st pattern were made according to Robert Wilkinson Latham.

In 1941 to speed production, the design was simplified and it was called the ‘New Pattern’ in Wilkinson Sword Contract Book and Pall Mall Works Orders, which is now called the 2nd Pattern. The blade was still drop forged and hand ground, but without special square ricasso. The hand guard was no longer curved, though otherwise the grip remained the same. This pattern was made between 12th of August 1941 until the end of 1943.

Originally, these were nickel-plated as the First pattern knives had been, but as production increased, the blade was left bright steel, and the grip was instead blackened. After 6th of February 1943, the blade was also finished black, so the entire knife was now black.

Markings were also minimized to reduce production time, so often the only markings would be the broad arrow proof on the grip.