Second Pattern Fairbairn–Sykes Fighting Knife

*Second Pattern Fairbairn–Sykes Fighting Knife*

A second pattern fighting knife with unmarked 16.5cm blued steel blade, blued steel crossguard stamped with a broad arrow and 2, the brass grip with numerous rows of fine knurling. 29cm total length. This is typical example of the fighting knives used throughout World War 2.

The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is a double-edged fighting knife resembling a dagger or poignard with a foil grip. It was developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai based on ideas that the two men had while serving on the Shanghai Municipal Police in China before World War II.

The F-S fighting knife was made famous during World War II when issued to British Commandos, the Airborne Forces, the SAS and many other units, especially for the Normandy landings in June 1944. With its acutely tapered, sharply pointed blade, the F-S fighting knife is frequently described as a stiletto, a weapon optimised for thrusting, although the F-S knife can be used to inflict slash cuts upon an opponent when its cutting edges are sharpened according to specification.

*Condition*
The blade is is excellent condition with very minor age related pitting. The brass grip is also in good condition with some age related staining. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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