Description
WW2 Fairbairn-Sykes style dagger wood handle type allegedly issued to RAF pilots, original metal-tipped leather scabbard. Rare type in great condition, considering the age.
A scarce variation of the classic WW2 era British Fairbairn Sykes (FS) fighting dagger with a turned wood handle and a “light” blade – this type is listed in several sources on the subject of the British fighting knives. The original Fairbairn Sykes fighting knives were designed as “commando daggers” for the elite British special-ops forces. These “FS” daggers became super-popular with the British and American servicemen stationed in the UK during the war. The allied servicemen carried FS daggers in practically every combat theater in Europe, North Africa and in the Middle East. Many variations of the original FS design exist; some produced in fairly large numbers; others were custom-made and one of a kind. This specimen has a non-standard wood handle and a fairly thin 6-7/8″ / 17.5 cm blade but the basic form is very similar to the “standard” FS 3rd pattern dagger manufactured by the British during the war.
According to THE FAIRBAIRN-SYKES FIGHTING KNIFE AND OTHER COMMANDO KNIVES book by Ron Flook, about 1000 of fighting knife blades were ordered in October 1943 from The Wilkinson Sword Co. specifically for the RAF crews. Wood handles and the final assembly were done by Harris Lebus in London. These knives meant to be light and inexpensive; the RAF Civilian Repair Organization considered them “disposable”. The letter and similar wood-handled FS dagger types are illustrated on pages 134-135 of that wonderful book (see the book’s page scan attached). Another example of this FS type is featured on the pages of the excellent source of related information The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knives website dedicated to the Fairbairn Sykes fighting dagger origins and history.
This WW2 Fairbairn-Sykes style dagger wood handle type looks only slightly used. Lightly blued blade is very sharp still; the tip is intact. Turned wood handle with an integral wood pommel and the standard-style FS iron guard. The pommel is sharply stamped with number 42 (could be a serial number ??). No dings or contact marks on the the pommel or the rest of the handle; one minor crack under the guard is noted for accuracy. The handle is tight; the guard has a bit of a play. Other than the number on the pommel the dagger is completely unmarked; it’s about 11-3/8″ / 29 cm overall; the blade is about 6-7/84″ / 17.5 cm long. Original 3rd pattern style metal-tipped leather scabbard is in great shape; all stitching is intact; elastic keeper is not very stretchy anymore – typical for this type as the rubber in the band tends to harden over time. This type is rare this nice and complete; don’t miss your chance to add this rare Fairbairn-Sykes style commando dagger to your collection!
This interesting WW2 Fairbairn-Sykes style dagger wood handle type fighter has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos; spent brass is not included with the lot 
I have several British fighting knives, as well as some scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.
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