Original British WWII Second Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife by Wilkinson – Broad Arrow B2 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the rarest most sought after versions of the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knives. Featuring a blackened brass handle, blackened blade, Broad Arrow B2 stamped pommel (also stamped “ENGLAND” from when it was imported to the USA in the 1970s, further legitimizing this knife) and an early version leather sheath with press stud strap.

Until 1942 Wilkinson Sword had been the only company which produced the F-S knives. In 1942 there came two more manufacturers.

One was later known for its acceptance mark “B2”. It was made according to the drawings of the black hilt 2nd Pattern Wilkinson F-S knife. The close resemblance is the reason why many collectors assumed that the acceptance mark B2 stands for Wilkinson. Finally proof was found by Robert Wilkinson-Latham that Wilkinson Sword actually produced the knives marked “ B2”. Wilkinson Sword and J. Clark & Son were the only known producers of these early 2nd Pattern F-S knives.

Condition of the knife is very good, still with sharp edge. Blade tip has small chip, press stud is missing male side, but overall good with some original black still present on the blade and in the handle.

A very rare knife that would fit into any British WW2 collection.

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 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.