Original British WWII Second Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger Fighting Knife with Sheath – Likely Used by American GI Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a really great example of a Fairbairn-Sykes style fighting knife with a great sheath. The leather sheath of this F-S dagger is a much thicker American-made private purchase example, which we believe makes this an example used by an American soldier overseas during World War II. These knives were very popular among American GIs.

Featuring a brass handle, blackened blade, Broad Arrow B2 stamped pommel also stamped ENGLAND directly on top of the broad arrow from when it was imported to the USA in the 1970s, further legitimizing this knife.

Condition of the knife is very good, still with sharp edges. Blade tip is excellent, and overall very good with some original black still present on the blade and in the recesses of the brass grip handle.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 7”
Blade Style: Spear Point Knife
Overall length: 11 5/8”
Crossguard: 2”
Sheath: 13⅜”

A very rare knife with the added bonus of an American-made sheath. Don’t miss out on this great dagger!

History of the FS British commando dagger:

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