The Applegate-Fairbairn Knife! The ULTIMATE Fighting Knife!

The Applegate-Fairbairn or AF Knife is one of the greatest fighting knives ever created. The succesor to the famous and successful Fairbairn-Sykes knife, the AF fighting knife is the brain child of the famous combative instructors William Fairbairn and Rex Applegate. A dagger that excels in almost every combative function, it is a highly underutilized blade. Today on the Knife Life we dive into the Applegate-Fairbairn knife!
You can find the knives in the video at the links below:
bladeops.com/boker-applegate-...
bladeops.com/boker-applegate-...
bladeops.com/boker-classic-ap...
These links are affiliate links in partnership with Bladeops for this video at their regular prices.
For those interested in learning more about the A-F Knife, check out these articles by Michael Janich:
smallarmsreview.com/col-rex-a...
www.knivesillustrated.com/clo...
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/ @theknifelifechannel

[@jjh9355]

I have three, two of the "full size" folders and one of the smaller versions for EDC. I love them. Thanks for the video and info.

[@Monsoonpain]

I have the first folding version of this. I like it alot, comfortable, easy to deploy, and sturdy

[@toddcarpenter714]

As a Marine, I'll stick with my K-Bar. It served me well in Desert Storm. It's still razor sharp and resides in my nightstand beside my shotgun for "bump in the night" issues.

[@thespectator2976]

i stick with my Esee 6, and fällkniven s1. I respect u as a fellow solider. /airforce from sweden.

[@JakobF369]

Kabars are outdated in my opinion but to each their own

[@toddcarpenter714]

Kabars are timeless. They work because the design is great. They sharpen easily, and hold that edge. You can sharpen the back side of the clip point and deliver a devastating back slash. Marines have their choice of any knife, 9 times out of 10, the Kabar gets the nod. Even some navy SEALs choose it.

[@thespectator2976]

In the end, its a sharpy thingie with and good and a bad end. Who uses it and so doesent really matter :) as long as its sharp after usage :) right? @@toddcarpenter714

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

They are a pos. They bend like rubber when pryed even a little.

[@DylanLey]

Great video as always!

[@christophwilhelm6431]

Good editing and restrained production. I'd say this is another improvement.

[@bones10145]

I love the look of that knife. I need to get one someday.

[@3LGAutodetail]

Thank you. This is by far my favorite knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@3LGAutodetail]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I shared the vid far and wide.

[@slappy8941]

Ava why is that? It's usefulness is extremely limited, the grip isn't very good, and the blade will snap easily. I give it a 4.

[@3LGAutodetail]

@@slappy8941 As far as a dagger, it's quite good. I'm not a fan of the 440, or 420 hc renditions, but those are not bad steels for troops. They take edges easily. As for the AF knife blade breaking, its a dagger not a pry bar.

[@mikeblue385]

i have the gerber combat folder i bought in 1998. still carry it every day.

[@willem2099]

You carry a combat knife every day? :S

[@mikeblue385]

in my purse. with my gun.@@willem2099

[@LeonardGarcia-yn2ej]

I have 2 of them I don’t leave home without it peace of mind (so cal.) 5:13

[@LeonardGarcia-yn2ej]

@@willem2099 Like American Express ; Don’t Leave Home With Out It My Good Friends Times have Changed ; The Devils On The Loose! 👀👹. Take Care My Friends C ya ; Live and Let Live : It Don’t Get Better Than This . Lenny G. So.Calif. 562 area 😮‍💨420🍀🍀🍀

[@robertqueberg4612]

This is a very interesting history lesson about the “cutting edge” development of a very useful tool. I still have a knife quite similar to the second version. It is a 5” knife that Grandpa was using as a hog sticking knife, long before I was born in 1948. I would guess that it is a new life for a dull file. It does speak well of the basic design. Thanks again for the great presentation.

[@robertlehnert4148]

Sounds like an Old Hickory double-edge sticker and hog-killing was it's exact intended purpose.

[@heavychevy4616]

great video as always, thank u sir

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

My pleasure and thank-you for your support!

[@tonylowe6770]

It’s a nice looking knife, very obvious to see where it’s evolved from. Be interesting to watch it over the next few years.

[@MASI_forging]

Absolutely beautiful 👏👏

[@Ash__7]

Lucky enough to have a UKSF-K sat behind me on the wall, was thinking throughout the vid how similar the blades are, so I loved the cameo at the end - will have to check out your review. Subbed

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@ddhh6552]

Very cool history on these fighting knives

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@powerplay4real174]

👍 A well thought out knife design and it has good quality materials but it has been through some issues up until Boker began to manufacture them for The Col. Applegate. The Applegate Fairbarn Combat Design Dagger is a phenomenal collectors piece. 😊

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is an excellent blade and a favorite of mine as well!

[@1sakguy]

I have all three sizes of AF folders and the AL Mar version of the dagger. Great video about this knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@colonialdirtdigger3734]

Great content

[@alancranford3398]

I have two editions of the Applegate-Fairbairn combat knife plus both editions of the Applegate-Fairbairn folders. I even managed to correspond with Rex Applegate over his point-shooting system adopted from Fairbairn. I have a couple of Fairbairn-Sykes third pattern commando daggers in my reference collection--at least one of them has the broad arrow mark. When I deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a National Guard Signal Corps soldier, my assigned weapon was the M249--not the best melee weapon around. Because I was rear echelon, wearing a Kabar was considered unacceptable--the smaller Gerber-made Covert Folder went everywhere with me until I boarded the airplane for the trip home at the end of my deployment. I count myself lucky that my knife skills were not tested during deployment--the circumstances would have been dire. No pistols were issued to my Signal company. I was permitted to teach a knife fighting class and tutor other soldiers deployed with me. I see in your playlist a video on the Kabar. I went to MCRD San Diego in 1975 and as soon as I could I purchased a Kabar. Problem--as an avionics tech it wasn't appropriate for me to wear my Kabar on duty. I had to get used to being in the UNARMED forces. In my opinion the primary purpose of a fighting knife for modern soldiers is installing a warrior mindset. "Armed" is an attitude. I lost count of the small arms live-fire ranges where we all had guns and ammo but were NOT armed. It was funny that I flew commercial air to the war zone carrying my machine gun and e-tool but had to leave my Gerber multi-tool in checked baggage. Now to check out your Kabar video!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! I never had the opportunity to meet Applegate, but I did study under Michael Janich who was one of his students. Enjoy the Ka-Bar video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

I included in my book about knife fighting an extraordinary story about the Gerber A-F Combat Folder being used in combat.

[@alancranford3398]

@@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso Book title, please?

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

@@alancranford3398 "The Silent Bodyguard" the english version and "El Guardaespaldas Silencioso" the spanish version, both in Amazon or eBay.

[@marklawrence855]

Great knife 🔪

[@apexairsolutions]

Had the Gerber folder version in the 90s and it served me well for years.The sheath was nylon and went lateral on your belt for CCW.the best at time period.😮

[@ahmaudarberywasaviolentkle8094]

I liked that version even more than the automatic. It had a better handle, and it was quieter.

[@apexairsolutions]

@@ahmaudarberywasaviolentkle8094 If my memory serves me when I bought it it was their first version and it was considered the weapon of choice for silent dispatch.☠️

[@mikeremski2102]

Good stuff, thanks. I think it hammers home "have more than one knife" for different uses. Or just have more than one knife.

[@robertkorsberg18]

I have one, it's a fine blade and one of 2 knives I really trust.

[@TheASM196]

I have the folding version of the A-F knife. It was made by Gerber... and is of extremely high quality contrary to some of their later offerings. The knife steel is ATS-34, which 10 (15?) years ago was considered a knife supersteel. The liner lock has a closing protection that is optional to use but that prevents effectively the knife to be closed accidentaly during handling. Solid and tight construction with a non-slip grip. Thanks for this video! I am a new subscriber!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

I was lucky enough to get one of the Effingham Blackjack versions of this knife from the early ‘90’s, which is pointier than the later Boker versions. The Bokers went from reasonably priced to ridiculously over priced, so I stuck with the Blackjack. Mine was one of the first made and had no handle issues that some of them had with mating the handle halves. Great design.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@paulfryejr2918]

Nice review. I’ve subscribed to your channel.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

In my humble opinion, the Fairbairn-Sykes is an excellent thrusting tool. The first design (the 1st Pattern) was the dagger that Mr. Fairbairn wanted to be produced, with a usable ricasso and a long guard that could be used by the wielder and his index finger. The X-Daggers made out of bayonets (specially the Lee-Metford M1888) are the original design including a 7" triangular blade, a long ricasso and a 3" S guard. If you employ this type of tool for other than killing the enemy, most probably you will end with a broken tip or something worse, the blade snapped from the handle. I remember that Applegate asked Bo Randall to make one of his prototypes way before Yancey enter the game. After the daggers made by Harsey, and before Boker knives started the production of them, Al Mar and Blackjack also made them. The problem with the original A-F daggers is the lack of a useful ricasso, a very short guard and a handle not supported by the tang at the pommel area. Also, in my opinion, the blade is too thin (4mm or so). On the other hand, the A-F Combat Folder (the original) is a great tool. I carry one every day. If you want to see the best dagger made since WWII, just check the Randall Model 2.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I also agree that the FS is an excellent thrusting tool. Thank-you for the additional information on the additional makers!

[@SoldierAndrew]

Col Rex Applegate and William E. Fairbairn reviewed reports of failures and interviewed Soldiers whom had experience using the F.S. dagger in combat. So William E. Fairbairn and Col Rex Applegate considered all the failures and problems of the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger then created an improved fighting dagger by correcting all of the flaws in the Fairbairn Sykes dagger. The improved dagger was the Fairbairn-Applegate design in this video. But the second world war ended before they field tested the improved dagger on the battlefield. Interesting historical trivia: Applegate, while researching incidents and interviewing men during the war to help create a reliable program for the O.S.S. , Colonel Applegate discovered the most kills by one man using a knife during WW2 was by a Fin commando who used a common utility Puukko knife with a 5" blade. So a historical fact, a Fin commando using a common 5" blade Puukko knife killed more men in close combat sentry removal than any other documented case in WW2 by other soldiers using specially designed fighting knives and combat daggers. Lesson learned: It's not the weapon so much as they man behind the weapon.

[@PaMuShin]

Actually in regard to cutting, the simple knife like Puuko are a pretty good choice. In survival circles these drop point utility knifes especially the ones made from finnish steel are very popular. I personally think of them as ugly, but for a slashing fighting style still probably the best choice. The strongpoint of the Fairbairn Sykes, was the kind of intended use, the fairbairn fighting style was mean to pull the opponent into you and ripping the throat out by force of gravity, as such it was very much intended to be used like a stiletto. The form of the applegate fairbairn was again much closer to the original fighting knives used by hong kong police, where his fighting style originated. Funny thing is, that in later year fairbairn abandoned his methods of fighting and turned more into filipino art which led to the devlopment of his last knive type.the fairbairn cobra knive, which were thought of to be used in a more circular fashion like the karambit.

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

@@SoldierAndrew I never saw any document that proved the involvement of Fairbairn in the design of the Applegate-Fairbairn dagger. In my opinion, Applegate included Fairbairn name for marketing purposes only. About the F-S feedback I read was that the original 3" guard was too long and got caught everywhere, and that is why they reduced while producing the 1st Pattern. Also it is known that Fairbairn was not happy when the factory change the design to the 2nd Pattern and obviously to the 3rd Pattern, specially because the ricasso and the long guard was very useful when you need to withdraw the knife from a dead soldier and also it was more difficult for your opponent to knock off the knife from your hand when using the "index finger around the hilt grip"

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

I prefer the Randal number one tbh big I can't have a fighter that I myself have made.

[@attiliobarcados8178]

finally relevant info.; great viddeoé there was another heavier model almost a small machete

[@wamps3370]

A great alternative to these knives is the current version of the Cold Steel Tai Pan.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

The Tai Pan is a step above the Boker made knife.

[@FarrahGerwing]

My Japanese taipan is just about perfect

[@cherokeefit4248]

I like this blade a lot. I never knew it existed. EBay has them too. I like my tops ice dagger. It’s basically the same thing but shorter but the tip center of the body is also reinforced.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@chrisshepard495]

The first thing I noticed wasn't with it was how much sorter the blade was. Plus I agree with another commenter. It's just a dagger and not even and amazing fighting weapon

[@hob976]

Man, I don't know. The original Gerber Mark 2 might be the most well thought out murdery-murder knife. It was shaped like a saber to be a stabber and a slasher. The cat tongue textured grip was amazing. And the original even had a 15 deg angle to make it duplicate a fencing rapier while fighting. The Gerber remains my number one combat knife. And MAD MAX had one... how can you argue with that?

[@kellywright540]

I have the Gerber Tactical Folder that is based on Applegate - Fairbairn. Not the greatest copy of these but still pretty close, at least in my humble opinion. I think I paid $130 for it from Amazon back in 2007. It's my purse knife and I use for everything from cutting apple slices to opening boxes. It does turn heads when I pull it out, give a quick snap of my hand and there's nearly four inches of blade from out of no where. It popped up in this video towards the end.

[@KrugerrandFarms]

I bought a Klien Tools duct knife. It resembles the AF to a great degree and for less than a double saw buck it is hard to beat. That said the sheath sucks and I would prefer the Milwaukie with the plastic sheath. both can be used as a utility knife and serve other functions when the chips are down. The Klien Tolls will stay in my truck but the Milwaukie will live on my belt.

[@scottangel6462]

One point of correction, Applegate was not a US counterpart of Fairbairn, He was sent to England to study under Fairbairn, in essence he was his student and the American instructor for the OSS. In the film clip that you show of the masked instructor, showing the unarmed components of the system, Applegate is the one standing beside him.

[@sonnysantana5454]

very wrong

[@zealotzealot4848]

I love daggers!

[@drewnelson3149]

A buddy gave me the Boker version and I carried it my rig for years. Never used it once mind, and later on I replaced the scales and sheath and it's basically brand new.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Andarilho1974]

I have the Cold Steel Peace Keeper 1, in San Mai VG1, made in Japan. When I bought it, it was already very rare. It's basically the same as this knife, but a little longer. Unfortunately, it fell and the tip got a bit damaged and I had to redo the tip. It's one of the knives scheduled to be with me in my BOB, I carry three, but it's 100% intended for defense.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@franklinmills1756]

I have Cold Steel knives also, the recon tanto, and the khukri light. Cold Steel makes excellent knives.

[@primealien]

Will you look at the V 42 blade used by the FSSF ? Please and thanks

[@walkingcarpet420]

It's a real knife fight out there

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@umollerstrom]

Gott nytt år Jesper! 🎉

[@zdan420]

Really cool knife. I've been wanting to get one for years but I fear it's now too expensive. I have the Joker brand version which is a nice alternative if you don't want to pay $250 plus. Does anyone know what model Spyderco is shown at the beginning of the video?

[@andreweden9405]

Could you please talk about the Extrema Ratio ADRA dagger, and the famous military unit that it's named after? Thank you!

[@patrickedwards7107]

I'm missing one in my collection however I've read about it and it's characteristics extensively the handle was meant to allow customized weight inserts some versions had issues with brittle delrin scales it's not uncommon to see splitting at the junture where the screw meets or near the bolster on older ones. It's a great knife I'd love to own as a historian/study of Fairbairn and Applegate but haven't met the right one in the right place. As an aside the Boker contact training knife Mimics it's form.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very interesting! Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@dennismccrary7639]

I have the folding version made by Gerber, they only made 1500. It came with a wooden display stand and sits on a shelf in my living room. It is one of my Apocalypse knives, which is not far away.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thats an excellent piece for any collection!

[@Louzahsol]

Sitting on a stand is all gerber knives are good for

[@chrisdyck6524]

My absolute favorite is the Voyager Vaquero XL serrated

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll have to check it out!

[@pirminzemp2731]

Interesting Video Awesome

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pirminzemp2731]

@TheKnifeLifeChannel Tanke You So much ❤️ 💖

[@Markt005]

I had the folder years ago. I wanted to get one of these, but as others have said, $300 is insane. A Taurus g3c is less than that and I have a cpl.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Its the knife i used the whole time i was with my merc unit in SA. That & a machete got me by in those jungles etc.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Im a custom smith. While i give this design a good solid eight out of ten there is one glaring drawback. Blade length. Its too short. A good combat knife has a seven to seven and a half inch blade. The reason for this is that it must be able to reach the heart through heavy winter clothing which can include many layers, harnesses, load bearing vests, the ever popular chest rigs and even soft armor. If the blade was seven and a half inches I'd give it a nine. Jmho.

[@user-zx5yd4cf3y]

Exactly the same knife we know as FS dagger existed before Fairbairn, in Spain

[@1683clifton]

My dad's is an ag.russel purchase. I love that knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@derfmuff]

The Benchmade 185 is also nice.

[@rex8255]

The originals biggest problem: It was a specialized piece of equipment issued to soldiers, who will in short order find 8 or 10 other uses. A classic example is the old "Steel pot" helmet. I was around when they started switching over, and a lot of GIs weren't happy because they used them for digging, cooking food in, and other things.

[@wheelietime7062]

Last dagger I had was a boot knife I got about 3 in blade my father bought me at tools and more. I don't think I was older than 6 or 7. Lost it long ago.

[@franklinmills1756]

My preferred go to knife is the good 'ol khukri.

[@dwynnell]

The AF blade length seems short to me. I’m used to the finesse of the pat3 needle though.

[@Prob0]

Any advice on where to find a sheath for this? I purchased one of these quite a number of years ago, it had a kydex sheath but a rubber retainer loop long since rotted away.

[@robertkorsberg18]

I would suggest, contact a leather maker and go custom. Or if comfortable, may mold own kydex. My rubber piece also broke, but the og kydex holder it came with has a positive snap in.

[@1vjbknife]

Maybe if you get a well constructed model that is properly sharpened, But I prefer a Randall 1-7 or 2-7 or a Terzuola M36 / Gryphon M30A1.

[@sombra6153]

I wonder how many FS were broken in actually wet work or in field utility duties like opening tin cans or ammo cases ? I have an artistic appreciation for my 80s mfg Gerber MkII. It’s sharp as all get out bit has similar weakness at the tang.

[@VIV_1271]

I have a small collection of AF knives including a few full sized Bokers, a couple smaller limited run Bokers with Damascus steel, and a couple Gerber folders. My favorite is a beautiful Al Mar made AF I got years ago. I haven’t seen another like it from Al Mar. Does anyone know how many of these Al Mar made and what they are valued at today?

[@3LGAutodetail]

a quick look shows that AZ knife center had one up for just over 3bills

[@timhenry326]

I met Rex back in the early 80's he trained my employer when in the OSS. I had my ass kicked by him showing me some tactics as I did some special projects and you never knew who was going to try some bullshit. I had an EK style 1 which he liked and Rex showed me his AF he was having made but I never was able to get one however I've carried a Gerber AF combat folder for years. He and my boss were the real deal as far as no BS get the fight over now and I've never forgotten them and have passed some of the legend down to my 2 Army kids and freinds

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jamesday7344]

At one time gerber was running really soft steel…That tip will bend like a tab on a beer can. I had the folding version years ago before I knew any better

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

It looks good. Only way is to get one and test it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Have at. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@arcticfox6808]

I have one of the Harsey designed Boker's in a desert camo sheath with an extremely low serial number. Picked it up at a Gunshow over 20 years ago. I can't find any production history online. Anyone know of a way to figure out when the knife was made? If my serial number is under 100 do I have one of the first ones?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

You can reach out directly to Boker. They should have some info. I would expect that a SN under 100 would be one of the first blades made by them.

[@scottdahlberg4890]

What was that Spyderco folder in the B roll in the begining of the video? Having trouble finding it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The Spyderco Euroedge. They have been discontinued for a while.

[@bakixavirists4561]

Do the gerber mark 2 next!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Noted and on the list.

[@DavidDishington]

Can you do a video about the Sevilliana Navaja?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The Navaja is definitely on my to-do list! I actually planned to do it earlier, but I've had issues getting my hands on good research sources and on a genuine quality Navaja as well. Once I get those then I will make that video! Thanks for letting me know!

[@davidlewis9572]

I have the folding one …..same blade design n name

[@roypaulcarter4654]

The AF Boker comes dull and you will need to take it somewhere to have it sharpened. But still I like the knife.

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

According to sone threads I've read, it seems that that combat folder version was an issued knife at one time. Perhaps as unit level, batch purchases? I bought mine based on reviews of carrying the folder in combat.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Interesting, I hadn't seen that. I'll have to look into that. Thank-you for sharing!

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

Yes, the Combat Folders was an issue knife. It even has an NSN number assigned to it (National Stock Number)

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

@pdbuttyRTO actually, NSN is NATO stock number, but I didn't know it had one. Thanks.

[@ElGuardaespaldasSilencioso]

@@EndtheWokeMadness A NATO Stock Number, or National Stock Number (NSN) as it is known in the U.S., is a 13-digit numeric code used by the NATO military alliance, identifying all the 'standardized material items of supply' as they have been recognized by all member states of NATO. Pursuant to the NATO Standardization Agreements, the NSN has come to be used in all treaty countries. However, many countries that use the NSN program are not members of NATO (e.g. Japan, Australia and New Zealand). A two-digit Material Management Aggregation Code (MMAC) suffix may also be appended,[1] to denote asset end use but it is not considered part of the NSN.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

Please do answer my question. Also the scabbards should be able to open up for cleaning. One more point, the knife smiths must some how make a knife having an automatic locking system once it is put into it's scabbard. Then when u go to pull the knife out, you should just press on some part of the guard to release the knife. Note, some times u have to have your knife in a flash, so the release mechanism must be good. Thank you.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Having a sheath open up for cleaning is convenient. But there is also the consideration of production. How do you make something like that for a reasonable price, and in such a way that it doesn't break easy or come apart? As for the quick release, the sheath for the UK-SFK does have that built in and I hate it. I'm not a fan of retention mechanisms. A properly crafted sheath (Kydex or leather) should be able to retain a knife without a lock.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel ok, remember those cigarette cases or women cosmetic cases that have mirrors on one side, will I was thinking about those angles for scabbards. Yes, I don't know what would go into the production prices/ budget limits Maybe custom made only However, then some examples could be only produced, no large scale productions or large capital needed.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel ok, about the locking mechanism, since I would like mine to work very fast, like as if I am drawing out a katana to defend or attack in a blink of an eye, we are now trying to go Mars, we have made/invented marvels after marvels, haven't we? If kept at it, you will have a mechanism in the scabbard or knife you would love. We just have to keep testing different angles.

[@mohammadameenzulueta5820]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel sorry, I am sure it can be made strong. Look at the folding knives, they are making them stronger.

[@wulfbyte]

I'm surprised the v42 and gerber mark II were not mentioned

[@PaMuShin]

How about doing a video on the RAF Aircrew Release Knife? It has a lot of interesting uses, if one has the right fighting style and it is pretty non lethal, as long as you want anyways. I like the hopkins release knive at least.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm not familiar with that one. I'll take a look at it. Thanks for sharing!

[@PaMuShin]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel It is probably more infamous in britain.

[@a.w.1906]

What about Kizlyar KO-1 and KO-2. The penetrating power is much much better than that of my Applegate Fairbairn. It penetrates everything like butter, really incredible.

[@WedgeGangly]

Follow this up with the AF Smatchet and down the road, Ek combat knives.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Smatchet is on the list. I'll have to take a look at the EK knives...

[@michaeljdauben]

I like the design and provinance of the A-F knife. The only reason I don't own one is I can't justify $300+ for a 440C knife.

[@masivatak]

REKAT Sifu was the MOST influential knife design.

[@jvin248]

Would have been helpful to dig deeper into the blade to handle tang fractures (could be poor heat treat, manufacturing nicks, or poor design transitions). I'm often surprised how so few of these fighting knives use handle tangs rather than full through blade metal with scales. The diamond cross section blade of the original is carry over from the days of knights and punching through armor.

[@grampa243]

still looking for the V-42 Commando Knife video 😀

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm looking at it. I might be able to line up a sponsor for that one.

[@bradjohnson4787]

Compare with Kbar equivalent (purpose wise).

[@flhxri]

Do a video on John Ek

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Its on the list! I have a couple projects to do first, but its coming!

[@ET-jv1wm]

I ueed to work with an ex Marine Comando (WW2 Veteran) he used to keep his Fairburn in his desk drawer and he used it as his letter opener. He was happy to share stories about his training and life in the services and in general during the war. And he loved talking about the weapons and equipment he used. Unfortunately he wouldn't ever discuss anything to do with his combat history, and I knew enough not to ask. (I know from his son that he first saw combat in the Dieppe landings, but never found out anything more than that.... He was an amazing man and was still fit and active when he retired at 90!

[@petemitchell6788]

🙄

[@longrider42]

Its a good knife, for sneak attacks. But in a face to face knife fight. I will use my Service No. 1 Khukuri, which I purchased from a shop in Nepal.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The Khukuri is definitely a heavy hitter. I have a separate video on that blade as well if you haven't seen it. Thanks for commenting! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jonkmeister4717]

Just make a video named "The dagger, the ultimate fighting knife!", and go through rondel daggers, bollock daggers, sword hilted daggers (the inspiration for the fairbairn-sykes), and so on. The lineage of this type of fighting knife is incredibly long, going back to the stone age

[@forgedglory]

My unit was issued the combat folder before deploying to Iraq.

[@thomasbarrett8397]

The V-42 was good and a match to the FS Dagger, but the AF was much better.

[@magpiemagpie6607]

Nahkampfmesser sends his ULTIMATE congratulations))

[@kerberoswxiv329]

While the design is great, the asking price is obscene (the harsey version in particular) by today's standards, especially considering the seriously outdated steel choice and boker's often shody workmanship & QC 😅. I suggest saving a hefty sum and go for the Cold Steel Tai Pan in San Mai or 3V instead. If you want to get a Harsey designed dagger, l would recommend the Spartan Blades Harsey dagger, still cheaper than boker's with top end material and workmanship, not to mention Made in USA

[@Commonsensepreps]

The harsey 5" version was 200$+- on amazon for years if you looked and kept an eye on it, now all the bokers are overpriced imo, when they were 150ish, that was the cap for me

[@edspencer7121]

I've got the Blackhawk combat dagger. Feels good in the hand. I always keep this one sharp as fu__.

[@Jimthechevywheelman]

I grabbed a couple of the cheap MOD Night wing copies ( when Blackhawk bought Mod n took operations overseas) . I never was happy with the grip . It never occurred to me to change / modify the handle. Then I came across one of the last blades that mod produced that another knife co (out of Asheville) obtained and customized with LARGER better fitting g10 handles… WOW Just like a pistol - grips make a difference . It became a different knife. Funny thing - Bear and Son brought back this same exact original design …sadly same exact handles. I know that there are aftermarket handles available for Ethan Beckers knives but I don’t know about others.

[@NoMoneyHubby]

The FS dagger is $50... the AF is $300-$500 (depending on handle and finish options)

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Most of the modern reproductions of the F-S usually that great and repeat many of the original issues of poor quality steel seen in the wartime blades, minus the excuse of wartime rationing. They are good enough for a conversation piece, but not good knives. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@blindfredy6128]

The A-F knife is beautiful knife but bloody expensive.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is both, agreed.

[@Bfr3shBrian]

Wanted this ever since I saw it in the movie Repo Men but 400 dollars for 440c is way too much for me. Ended up buying a $20 Walther P99 knife that looks pretty similar lol

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Fair enough. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@AGC828]

I think the AF was great as a MILITARY -use "fighting knife where attacks/efensive sitiuations would likely be usually just "one on one" VS an "urban combat" siatuion where you're likely to be "ONE vs unknown numbers" who are likely to swarm you at some point...if one of their "crew" doesn't finish you by himself. Coolect an AF for the fun of it. Bokker makes one. But i'd hope people aren't silly enough to "EDC" an AF beleiving it's going to be like a scene in a John Wick film. :) Would be naive to blieve so. I hear knife attacks....CQB/Urban...occur with the threats aready at "reach out and touch distanes" i.e too lat for us to even react...just to comply and hope they walk away after they get what hey want...

[@bronco1199]

The original was affordable. Is this one? Not at all interested if you're looking for 300$ + dollars. Keep it!!!

[@anonymoussurname]

Only 0:26 in and looking for the affordable or economical option lol

[@markwalker4485]

I owned on in the late 80s and did not like it at all. I used a knife invented by a SAS soldier with lots of CQC experience and we all tried to get one of them. No I’m not name dropping anything

[@__logan__duvalier__]

The FS knife that you show is not the standard issue. Your FS has a turned brass grip with knurling. The standard issue FS had a cast bronze grip with ridges as shown in one of your photos. The ridges stop the knife sliding out of the hand.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The FS I show is a post war version of the 2nd pattern knives which were absolutely issued. You are referring to the 3rd pattern of FS knife with the concentric rings which was the version that was the most widely produced and issued as discussed in the video. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@__logan__duvalier__]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel OK thanks for the info ; I did not realise that so many variants of the FS were issued !

[@barrybarnes96]

I like a narrower and longer blade than the AF.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Fair enough. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Tony_Seed]

It’s a dagger has existed forever