The World War 2 Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife [What You Need to Know]

The Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife is one of the most recognizable blades in the world. Created in the heart of World War 2, the Fairbairn Sykes dagger would become the beloved sidearm of the British Commando units and continues to influence modern fighting knives today. But what exactly is a Fairbairn Sykes commando knife, and where did it come from? Watch here to learn about the F-S knife!
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Check out these resources to learn about the F-S Knife:
Roy Shadbolt's website on the F-S Knife: www.fsknife.com/
Wolfgang Peter Michael's book: amzn.to/3SuuNDs
Ron Flook's Book: amzn.to/3eSLURH
Leroy Thompson's Book: amzn.to/3eSLURH
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[@Cdn0069]

As a middle aged infantry officer still serving ... I was first instructed on the use of the weapon back in the 1980's by an older friend who had served with the SOE in France. That and the fact my uncle served with the FSSF inspired me to learn the weapon. After 37 years of service as an infantry NCO and now as an Officer, I still carry it descretely inside the leg cargo pocket of my combat pants when on duty, always by my side. Mine is an original 2nd pattern with first pattern blade markings. Still razor sharp and on duty over 80 years later. Its respected as the weapon it is, and has never been treated as a hammer or a camp knife. I have a Gerber multi-tool for that.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thank-you for sharing your story! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@craigthescott5074]

That’s cool I carried a Gerber 10 inch boot knife designed by Loveless when I was a street cop in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Only used it once to cut a guy out of a seatbelt on a car that flipped on its roof. Never had to use it as a weapon. My sgt used to complain that we weren’t allowed to carry weapons like this but I used to say “ it’s an eating utensil sarge.”

[@Stanly-Stud]

Who cares 😂 No need for these knives nowadays

[@craigthescott5074]

@@Stanly-Stud yea we don’t need fire either Chief.

[@Stanly-Stud]

@@craigthescott5074 LMFAO....ok Rambo

[@Mr.Big-Gunz]

Fairbarin was more dangerous than smallpox..he could talk the talk, & he walked the walk, he truly was a combat expert...

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

He was the real deal. Very interesting individual.

[@davidwhiren817]

So was Rex !!!

[@powerplay4real174]

He learn from the Chinese and Asian killers in Shanghai. The Shanghai Assassins 🦉

[@xusmico187]

@@davidwhiren817 true, but rex did not have all the real blood work the either fairburn or sykes but he was a killer

[@davidwhiren817]

@@xusmico187 Yes you are right !!! confirmed kills were apart of these men's silent / clandestine record's & played a part in there Bonafide's !!! Also defeat by surrender of the opponent !!!

[@angrydoggy9170]

One thing I’ve noticed in most reviews on this dagger is that nobody seems to comment on that little knob at the end of the grip. It’s really useful to knock someone out as it will break the skull in a powerful strike.

[@davegeorge9538]

I served in the Marines in the early 80's and they still taught defendu in those days. Many of my young students have been inspired to follow in my footsteps and have joined the Marines also . It's fun to compare what they've learned and what I learned.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@jasonkyler]

Defendu is still around though I'm not sure how much is still taught in the services these days. It's just not as well known or spread especially with all the BJJ limelight.

[@SoldierAndrew]

In the 80s the USMC Infantry were learning LINE Combatives.

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Happy to say that Fairbairn was the progenitor of my Family Clan - Armstrong. Good to know that this sidearm still bears his name.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@gooderspitman8052]

I had one of these made in Sheffield by Rogers, it had a blackened blade. I bought it when I was aged 13 from Wakefields army surplus store, I carried it all over, no one said anything. I used to throw it into trees and the like, thinking I was a commando. 😂 The Rodgers factory was at the bottom of the Moor in Sheffield, incidentally, Sheffield is my home city.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@gooderspitman8052]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel thank you.

[@gwynjustice6664]

Interesting that bit about the knife rolling. I remember hearing an RAF specialist talking about using his F-S knife mainly as a stabbing tool on sentries “stab into the throat cover the mouth and punch forwards, ripping out the lot”. Grizzly stuff, but makes sense considering you might mess up a slashing cut.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! The way the rolling in the grip was dealt with was by placing the thumb on the flat of the blade which is why later knives such as the V42 have thumb rests on the blade. But the round grip was still a design flaw that caused a lot of issues. Grizzly stuff indeed. I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@sealteamtwix]

Someone watched the old british dude video

[@user-qq2ri7ck7f]

Sure it is more better for stabbing when attacking sentries.

[@Stanly-Stud]

"RAF " specialist...😂😂 Probably talking about RAF regiment...haha

[@Safeprogress]

Thank you for a really interesting and informative video. I had an extensive collection of original British Commando Knives, as well as fakes. Many of the originals were by Wilkinson which was, of course, the original manufacturer. A number of other (often Sheffied based) manufacturers also produced the FS knife, particularly Rogers and Hodgkinson.In the 70s I visited the Wilkinson factory in London where they were still making swords and saw the original F&S stencils. I did not know about the precursors, the Shanghai knives, so that was a useful piece of history. The shape and pommel of the original 'checkered style'' hand grip almost certainly originated from the Wilkinson plug bayonet. Your comment about the origins of the Commandos needs correcting. I believe the truth is that Churchill wanted some way of hitting back at the Germans when we were at our weakest point and remembered how effective the Boer Commandos had been, of which he had personal experience. That was the inspiration for the creation of the original Army Commando, of which I believe there were twelve. Later, and approaching D-Day the perception was that many more were needed and that's when the Royal Marines, probably as the then sole existing 'boat to shore' type infantry, became involved, And it has been RM Commando ever since.

[@Tobias77999]

Where do you get your F-S knives? I’m looking for one of the 3rd models, but can’t find any online.

[@JohnDoe-mt8rf]

I have a original one my grandfather brought back from ww2 with the leg attachment. He traded a usn k-bar for that knife off of a British commando. Super sharp.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@Styphon]

I had a smaller double-edged knife once. When I bought it the store had it and some similar blades characterized as "Arkansas Toothpicks". It was a Coleman, the same company as the famous camping stove and lantern.

[@mrmicro22]

The classic toothpick is much larger than even the FS knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! mrmicro22 is correct, usually Arkansas Toothpick is associated with massive daggers in the same weight class as a Bowie, but there are some smaller blades that have named that for marketing. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@bradbechlyb9273]

i have what i think is a early 2nd pattern. has the Wilkerson Sword on one side and the FS on the other. 15 yrs. ago I literally found it in a pile of scrap metal. gave the guy $5.00 for it. has a little surface rust damage, but i think it would clean up nicely

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool. If its real you got yourself a killer deal! If its fake, then its a cool fake picked up for cheap! Take it to an appraiser and see if they can confirm its authenticity.

[@onewolf3750]

I've owned one by Wilkinson Sword for about 30 years, first learning about them at 15, 62 years ago. Excellent video.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@frankjonesy]

Super interesting video. Thanks very much! While I understand what is being said in the comments with regard to its drawbacks the fact of the matter is that British Commandos used it to great effect and if you see the techniques that were trained on how to use the knife you begin to understand why it is a legendary knife whose profile still adorns the cap badges and insignia of British Commandos and Special Forces. One of the techniques for example was to stab downwards where the neck meets the clavicle which immediately neutralises the enemy without a single sound being made - its thin profile and length allowed it to penetrate vital organs in a very specific and targeted way while avoiding bone, as outlined in the video. You can imagine the psychological impact on the enemy of such a weapon and how it perfectly embodies the modus operandi of special forces - striking at the very heart of the enemy with absolute surprise and maximum controlled aggression to silently destroy enemy assets. No this was not a knife to fight a duel with (which is useless in a military environment anyway) but rather one with which you can quickly and silently kill the enemy with minimal fuss - a perfect knife for that task.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Sentry elimination was a large part of commando training, but close quarters combat was also emphasized as well. The FS dagger isn't a dueling blade, but it is meant as a last ditch weapon if you happen to end up tangled up with the enemy. There are a surprising numbers of accounts of this happening. And in spite of the issues it had, it was popular among the Brits. It was treated kind of like an expendable blade. Their paratroopers often liked to carry two or three.

[@frankjonesy]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Couldn't agree more - thanks again for the video!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

My pleasure!

[@Bear10174]

There is a video of an old WW2 commando explaining, in great detail how you would use this knife to kill someone silently. The old boy talks with the authority of one who was trained to do it, and probably did it as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3WqeX6vd5iHlbc

[@B-leafer]

​​@@oliviercoen446 perhaps an American contemporary version directly inspired by this knife and also has some vintage history might be the Randall #2, of which I have personally owned. It has all the pro's (strong points)and none of the con's (weak points) of the F. S. dagger.

[@vortega472]

Fascinating. This is why I love history - there are the larger stories with the great expanse, but as you delve deeper into point by point aspects you get a greater picture of why things are or were.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@44Mag]

I have my fathers FS that he acquired from another airman while stationed in Viet Nam. It is a post WW2 model. (From what I have researched, those have the word ENDGLAND and a number stamped into the guard.) - This was required by the Tariff Act of 1930, which required nearly all imported goods to be marked with the country of origin. It has rested in the sheath for over 50 years, and the blade is rust free since it was cleaned up when my dad got it home. I believe this to be a third model, as it has the blackened, reverse hour-glass brass handle with knurls. Holding it, feels good in the hand, but I personally think the flat handle would be easier to wield and use. It is one of my few pass-down-to-my-kids treasures I have. Thanks for the video. Very well done.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@wayneholmes5786]

A knurled brass handle would be a 2nd pattern. The 3rd pattern has the lighter cast zinc handle with rings.

[@44Mag]

@@wayneholmes5786 Thanks for the clarification.

[@ianjardine7324]

A lot of the criticism of this knife is based on a complete misunderstanding of its purpose. Fairbairn's knife fighting style was based on fast thrusting attack's at vital areas with slashing attack's used to open the enemy for a finishing thrust. As such the guard was used in the sabre grip to index the blade. It was designed to be light fast and able to penetrate thick clothing. Any idiot using a precision weapon like this to carve wood or lever open cans and boxes should never have been allowed near sharp objects in the first place. I've no doubt the original Wilkinson Sword hand made examples were made from beautiful steel but you can't blame the design for wartime material's shortages and quality control issues.

[@long-hair-dont-care88.]

It's my favorite blade style an only good for one thing. Bout it's the best at that one thing an IMHO combat knives should be engineered to be best at quickly easily and endlessly killing opposition forces better geared than you.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Thanks for this most interesting video...unlike the Ka-Bar, the F-S has but one purpose...personally, I would not care to use any anti-personnel knife as a utility knife or to eat with...however, the F-S is a beautiful blade,especially the 2nd "silver" pattern, in spite of the particular reason for its existence...thanks!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The F-S is indeed meant only as a fighting knife, and it didn't perform well in any other role. But they are indeed beautiful knives. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

My late grandfather, Lt Col HW Holt, who served in Burma in WW2, was given an FS by a Canadian doctor who had served with the Commandos earlier in the war, who was seconded to his battalion in '45. He used it to carve the Sunday Roast Beef up until his death in the 1970s, I remember it being razor sharp and could carve super thin slices, he thought it was the best knife for carving rib of beef because the double edge allows you to easily separate the ribs.....if you think about it, that was its original purpose! So yes... a single use knife... for carving up both living and roasted flesh! Sadly the knife was stolen during a house move 40 years ago. I have a modern take on the Kbar as my work knife, it has a polypropylene hand guard and pommel with the leather disc handle, I went for this because its light weight and doesn't drag your trousers down when on the belt, the Kbar design is a superb utility design. IMHO the best shape for a work knife is the 'sailors' style blade, a simple spear point single edged design a modern version would be the Otter Knives Sailor Knife, 6 inch broad blade of high quality carbon which you can hone extremely sharp and which I use on my boat as it cuts through heavy rope very well. Such a design is inferior as a fighter versus the Kbar because the point broadens quickly and it would struggle to penetrate a heavy wool German greatcoat! The K bar is a great all rounder.

[@peterknowles3198]

An exceptionally informative video. Many thanks for posting

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@rotax636nut5]

I have a 2nd pattern 11 3/4" long FS dagger myself so I was interested in the history of the 2 gentlemen concerned and the development of the knife, thanks for posting this video

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you on the channel again!

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I love how much research you put into your videos!! You come across as an academic. Awesome work keep it up as I learn something new every time.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I do my best to make them worth while!

[@magritteetmoncouteau]

I think this is my favorite episode so far. Thanks!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for your support!

[@LurkingCrassZero]

Wow, what a fantastic history of the knife and it's creators.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@patrickedwards7107]

This is a fantastic overview and I can tell you are also passionate about the subject here. Thank you for preserving this section of history and the art beyond the knife. I do reconstructive workshops within a Hema guild focusing on fairbairn defendu/combatives,pugilism, and late era bartitsu I view this very much as the place where bartitsu met modern conflict. I've recently acquired the KBH smatchet it is essentially a more correct replica of the largest OSS pattern thing is a monster and a beautiful addition it has served as a demonstrative teaching an example of an otherwise obscure fighting knife. Due to the lack of coverage I have been using biddle's large knife "take the hand" method and what I've garnered from all in fighting to make a drill and philosophy of use with them. My very favorite derivative and personal carry of the FS knife is the modern Fox cutlery blade I own the walnut/blued iteration and cannot recommend it enough for its strength and wonderful edge retention thing just flows like a fencing foil in the hand.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! I would also say to look at Martial Blade Concepts. Its the system I was trained in and draws partially from the old Fairbairn and OSS training. I have an interview with Mike Janich (its founder) about the theory behind it. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@patrickedwards7107]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel just realized I hadn't subscribed I'll absolutely look into that program. This week during some down time at the beach I've resolved to read "training for sudden violence" by rory miller I've recently been incorporating a lot of in-qaurtata thrust+flick cut as outlined in John steyers cold steel text I'm finding that it holds up decently within sparring. One if my favorite drills is to have a couple peers at different angles alternate without telegraphing who Will strike to try and train in an unscripted manner. I emphasize rolling the knife in any downtime the study of knife for me more and more is becoming a study of movement using the eyes to spot things that will betray the intent of the attacker as you know there's a huge absence of things present in standard fencing but some of it translates over the knife is a weapon most often deployed from subterfuge it's fluidity for me classes them very high in threat rating. People in the martial arts community mock the existence of knife/dagger dueling even though it's found alongside treatises of the sword. I Am in The Camp That Understands There's Nothing Guaranteed With A knife in Play No Matter the proficiency level an amateur with a knife is a threat a grappler with a knife is a force multiplier. I've witnessed that a person can build off a few well thought out systems and increase their percentile in outcomes I like to put focus into interrupting an attack early on if possible by severing the fingers the ligaments of the hand with fine targeting sticking a proverbial off switch and breaking contact aware that with adrenaline going a man isn't going to realistically fall down or be dissuaded from taking me with him the sight of red isn't always going to toss water on a fight. I believe fairbairn well understood that to fight with the knife was to grapple he developed a system tailored for this that could be recalled when you didn't have a moment at disposal. It's really critical when training knife that we stay in the realm of reality having honestly with ourselves if a blow is landed We should call it and admit that may have been fatal in Hema we don't aim to just swing for the bases we will reset any time death or disabling would have transpired people worked up in a free for all don't always realize they've been touched it takes a few inches of penetration areas like the armpits the inner arms all start a timetable of exhaustion, finally death no matter how large the opponent.

[@Tobias77999]

I just got my first F-S knife today!!! Sooo excited to do some research!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Excellent video! Thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@sureshasuresha7422]

Beautiful information sir

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@karambitmaker1]

Well done James!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you!

[@tjpprojects7192]

Another knife I'll add to my collection eventually.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

They are beautiful knives!

[@markadkins9290]

Great stuff!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@rolibus2606]

Ce tuto est très intéressant et très bien argumenté: Ce couteau est magnifique !! merci beaucoup ;))

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@fragen999]

My HG Long has the same wavey cross guard and nickel plated grip as the Wilkinson but the blade is not as narrow.It does have F-S Fighting knife in a panel on one side and nothing on the other.Its the only example I have seen in over 50 years of collecting.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@artawhirler]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

My pleasure! Thank-you for your support!

[@lckgilmo43]

My ex father in law was a Green Beret in the early 1960's. He said that when you stab a man in the kidney it hurts some much that they can't even scream. Then they'd finish them off with a stab to the heart. I researched daggers. That's why I own a Cold Steel Wasp. The tip is stronger.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting!

[@MrSlitskirts]

Great video and subject. I believe there was also a smaller more compact version used by Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.) agents so it could be concealed more easily, and by 'The Auxiliary' who were the British 'Resistance' troops set up in 1940 in case Britain was invaded successfully. They were meant to carry on the war being made up of teenage boys (14-15-16, etc) and older men not fit for military service but who could infiltrate and move around operating from specially built secret bases. Being smaller build the teenage boys could much easier carry the smaller FS Daggers. They were also taught the FS Pistol shooting 'double-tap' and close quarters fighting techniques.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I'm not aware of a smaller version, but I would not be surprised. The point shooting is also another fascinating history topic!

[@michaelw2288]

Auxillary Units had first pick of weapons inc FS knives and Thompson submachineguns. The Operational Patrol members were never boys and old men. They were local men of military age, often in reserved occupations so could not be drafted. They were selected for local knowledge, discretion, reliability and toughness. Many later served in regular army special forces. None of them spoke about their wartime experience until after 1970s.

[@davidbonnell6601]

Now you need to cover the KA-BAR story. They are hand in hand with the Fairbairn Sykes. Maybe they could have been in the Bowie knife category also?

[@Miller_Time]

Apparently he doesn't like k-bar. He replies to every comment besides this one it seems 😂

[@tedwarden1608]

@@Miller_Time. Because he’s talking about the FS knife not the K Bar.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The Ka-Bar script has been written and I'm working on it now. It will be the next historical video out!

[@jackwagonhoedown4114]

I still have a vintage Fury FS knife. It has Taiwan stamped on the cross guard. There are leather washers for the grip.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@elund408]

great video, a forerunner to the FS knife is the butchers sticking knife, one which would have been known to anyone growing up in a western agrarian society.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@heavychevy4616]

awesome video man, thank u

[@captkeith4167]

My dad was with the Canadian Army, PPCLI, and was in one the first contingents to be deployed to the UK in 1939. They trained there until 1942 before being sent to North Africa and Italy. He did commando training and one of his possessions is a Sheffield made William Rodgers I cut my way commando dagger. It’s shape is very close to the FS dagger. It’s a very wicked, but elegant looking blade. Can you tell me anything about it?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm not familiar with the history of that particular blade. I don't believe they were officially issued the the F-S was, but don't quote me on that.

[@conductorcammon]

Great Channel!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for your support!

[@Mi6AgentSavileMBE.]

I remember my grandfathers ceremonial FS dagger. Never saw his used original one.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@craigthescott5074]

I have a Scottish boot knife that’s very similar from the 1700’s it’s got more of a triangle blade that’s very sharp for stabbing but doesn’t really have much of an edge. It’s very decorated the hilt and pommel are carved silver. The handle is black bone or ebony with a silver wire wrap. The blade is 6 inches total length 10 inches. Very beautiful knife I wonder if Fairburn got his idea from this type of boot knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I would expect that there was some influence from traditional blades from the UK isles. Very cool knife! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@craigthescott5074]

⁠@@TheKnifeLifeChannel you bet thank you. I just subscribed too. I also have two replicas if the Fairburn knife made here in AZ by Smith Enterprises. He stays very accurate to the original but he makes a plus size one that is 1 of 1 that I own that looks like this dagger on steroids. The nice thing about these is they are very high quality so you can use them and not carry an original.

[@OkieSketcher1949]

I was given what I think would be a pattern 1. The blade was somewhat shiny and where it met the hand guard on one side was the Wilkinson trade mark but there was no marking on the other side, the handle was ‘checkered’ brass, the guard appeared to be made of the same metal as the blade. At the end of the handle was a brass knob with a ‘pointed’ end. It was given to me by an older gentleman who stated it had been his brothers when he served with the British in WWII. The sheath was about totally gone so he tossed it away. He went over what his brother told him on how it was to be used. Rather gory. He covered how to use it against an opponent’s neck, kidneys, heart, shoulder at the base of the neck, and how to thrust it up into the back of the skull from where the neck and skull meet. The knob was for hitting your enemy’s skull and crushing it. A lot of what he said I took as ‘BS’ but I accepted it as a gift. A bit over a year later it was stolen out of my foot locker while I had the foot locker stored in a ‘secure’ storage place while I was on deployment. I now wish I had it back.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That seems to be a an unfortunately common story. Many original blades of various types have a tendency of growing legs and walking away. Its sad how many pieces of history have been lost to theft. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@MrDaniel-West1970]

Y LOVE the FS knife !

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I is a very cool knife! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and hope to see you around the channel again!

[@TimBitten]

I would really love if you’d do a vid on cinquedea style blades!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll take a look into them!

[@a661992]

Check out the Ganzo Adimanti folder. I’ll think you’ll dig it. Great video on the history

[@Breca]

I have held one of these...I met a 90 odd year British Commando Officer and shared an Innis & Gunn Beer with him at his home. He told me it was all he had from the war. When I handed it back to him he cover his mouth and said between the third and forth rib and thrusted it into the air, describing how to silent kill. I have known many men like him and that has bean the biggest thrill of being a Heating Technician in Ontario Canada. I own a WW2 1939 P. Wyersburg (a) German bayonet given to me by a British WW2 photo recon ground crewman who felt guilty his whole life as he felt he was never in harms way. A man who told me he was in the 90km pocket after D-day and went from farm field Airforce base to farm field Airforce base all the way to Germany. His wife told me these bases where bombed and attacked. ☮

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@mississippidrifter5960]

Hopefully you do a video on the EK-44.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Ek knives are on the to-do list after a couple other projects in the works. I'm already starting the research project. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Thesaryhoyek]

Great channel, great content. I would love to see an Okapi knife video

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I hope to see you around the channel again! I'll be sure to take a look at the Okapi!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Interesting knife. I know an expert who might be knowledgeable about those. I'll see if a livestream about them is possible.

[@behindthespotlight7983]

outstanding

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you!

[@michaelleblanc7283]

Thanks for the memories. Between the ages 13-15 ('62-64), I saved my $2.00 weekly allowance and other hard earned dimes, then hopped 'alone' on the train in West-Island for downtown Montreal and the fantastic 'Barons' Army surplus store there. British WWI & WWII bayonets cost .35 cents each and other exotics, like helmets, gas masks, only a little bit more. For my 15th birthday, bought my first rifle, a Lee Enfield MkIII (star) for $15.00 and toted it the hr long train ride home (times were different back then). Well recall what I believe must have been the 'Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife' (didn't know the name then) and the metal blade was 'Blackened'. It was just called a Commando knife. Cost .50 cents each. Bought two. Problem was they were 'brittle' and snapped in half easily. Didn't last long. No good for camping at all. Design seems to have been limited to stabbing and nothing else.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing your story! The F-S knives were known for being fragile. For this reason many American units discarded theirs in favor of a different blade, whereas British forces would carry two or even three blades just in case. I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@kurtasiak]

super very interesting

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support!

[@tech9auto223]

I have a fairbairn Sykes knife I found it in my uncles house after he passed away and since then I've become a knife addict my most recent addition to my collection is a Smith and Wesson hrt 9 boot knife it was a bargain and well worth what I paid for it

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Its funny how a relative's knife can kick off an entire passion of your own! Thanks for watching!

[@NeuKrofta]

The V-42 is awesome

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

If the channel ever gets succesful enough I'll pick up an original. In the meantime I'll have to find a replica for a video.

[@NeuKrofta]

@The Knife Life pay a pretty penny for an original, there are some decent reproductions as far as I can tell. I have a Boker Plus one, probably not the best out there but it's cool to have nonetheless

[@grampa243]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I have one that I believe W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. manufactured as a post-war version from 1989 until 1993. it has brass in between the leather pieces on the handle.

[@robertdeen8741]

When I was a young lad of 21, I had an older lady friend. She was born in Shanghai. Her father served on the police force with the great man. Ian Fleming must of met Fairbairn at camp X in WW2. Makes one wonder if it helped inspire Bond.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I wouldn't have been surprised. Very cool story! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@evertondossantos5202]

When we were kids, in 80s Brazil, there was a catalog magazine that sold a version of a fs-knife. Unfortunally I never found any of that. It was " comando knife" in the magazine . It was a cheap réplica? We never know.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LEARSIKCIGAM]

timeless

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is a very recognizable blade, even 80 years later.

[@edwinswift2646]

The dagger (V-42) of the First Special Service Force (FSSF) was issued in limited numbers, as it was issued to FSSF and a few to another American unit. The blade guard is approximately 2 7/8 inches or 7.2 cm long. As shown in your picture of the V-42, a thumb grip is at the base of the blade. I suspect the feature was to stabilize the knife from rolling in a thrust. Not shown well in your picture, at the base was a triangular point for crushing skulls. At the base of the knife handle is another small guard. I suspect the rear knife guard was to prevent the knife from sliding out your hands and to hinder rolling of the knife. Your hand fits very nicely in your between the two knife guards. As shown in your picture of the V-2 is a thumb grip at the bottom of the knife blade. I suspect this feature was also to have more control of the knife. At the base of the blade on one side, "CASE" is inscribe in the knife blade. The length of blade for the knife is 7 inches or 17.5 cm long. The FSSF had no problem slitting throats with the V-42, as evident by their behind the lines actions. My father was issued with this knife at the formation of the FSSF. My father gave his knife to his daughter in-law shortly before he passed away. Once I learned my sister in-law planned to chop vegetables with this knife, I soon claimed it. She had no idea of the purpose for the V-42 and history of that particular knife. The FSSF had a high causality rate and existed a reality short time. Now a question for you:: were the replacements for the casualties issued the V-42, as there was a limited supply of V-42?

[@johnbooth3073]

One /possibly the best accounts of the knife. Well done and 👍👍My mum’s uncle was a lieutenant sailing one of us the 12 launches at St. Nazzaih

[@johnbooth3073]

Dropped off his infantryman ( Not Royal Marines.) Then sailed his little boat around the river attracting lots of AAA fire etc. Brave man. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnbooth3073]

St Nazairgh

[@henryfondle725]

can you do a video on the KA Bar knife?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is on the to do list.

[@donrood7282]

I own one of these. It’s a wicked little weapon.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

They are nasty things.

[@bluv6430]

I just found a copy of DEFENDU on EBAY, $18.00 plus shipping, can't wait to read it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@sulaco2122]

I have a third pattern SF that I acquired in SE Asia around 1972. It has NATO markings and the same sheath style with tabs.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@sulaco2122]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Also recently got lucky and saved from a scrape heap a SF bladed style knife, leather wrapped handle, brass pommel and guard marked "Eye" Taylor Witness Sheffield England" The eye in the markings is a stylized eye symbol not the word "eye", apparently a WWII brit issue commando dagger.

[@haroldellis9721]

I turned and knurled a brass handle for my 3rd pattern FS.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@Tonygarry78]

It'd be cool to have a functional fsk (replica) as well as one used in ww2 as well as a prototype.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

They do actually make replicas for reasonable prices. Original WW2 knives are a bit more pricey, but if you go for a 3rd pattern you can probably snag one for a decent price.

[@Tonygarry78]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel right. Someday.

[@ShimomuraTakezoWong]

My father left me the 3rd. pattern as a heirloom but unfortunately moving home too much it was lost somehow in 2008/9, not really sure maybe because of my EDC Gerber Guardian 2 since 2002 much more a convenient size than the FS blade it was neglected.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That's unfortunate! The F-S dagger was never really a convenient knife.

[@owais146]

THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSS SIR

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@owais146]

SURE SIR@@TheKnifeLifeChannel

[@travhammer]

I have an hand made FS with 9 inch blade made by Colin Cox of New Zealand. She's beautiful.

[@craiighorton5780]

Fascinating. Very good.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@omkhedkar5052]

In previous video you made Italian switchblade knife well there was a Indian 19th century I think so or even India made their own switchblade knives by royal blade Smith's it was named as rampuri chaku with brass handle and beautiful designs on it if you find one of them then can you review on that

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll take a look into it. Thanks for commenting!

[@Nick-hu1ks]

Please make a video like this about the benchmade 42

[@AntiFederalist58]

I have a third pattern F-S along with a Gerber Mk 2.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@davidbenner2289]

One family friend had one he used in WWII. Third pattern, it seems. He was a frogman in the Royal Navy, retired as the CPO of the Fleet. Later in MI-6. He was working with my father, a special directive native troops gurilla warfare instructor and commander in Laos. And master spy for that information gathering agency, 1950 to 1984: dad a first sergeant and combat medic and surgical technician in a field surgical hospital, U. S. Army. Both men are now passed on.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool, thank-you for sharing your story!

[@davidbenner2289]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I think it was a special boat unit. Operated in the Mediterranean. You have seen his son's work in the movie industry.

[@phillipallen3259]

A few years ago I saw a Wilkinson F-S knife in the sheath at an antique mall in Washington State. I know exactly what it was and wanted to grab it up until I saw the price tag. Im sure its in someone's collection but sadly, not mine.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! The 1st and second patterns definitely do get up there in price unfortunately, but being able to just see an original is pretty cool as well! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@davidwhiren817]

Get Fairbairn's commando training book with full illustration's & explained techniques within its covers !!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Which one? Fairbairn released a lot of manuals.

[@davidwhiren817]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I am in the process of moving right now , so my copy has been packed up !!! If I remember correctly the cover said " GET TOUGH " & it should be a WW2 reprint by PALADIN PRESS , sorry I can't be more exact at this time . The use of the words plunge dagger were used in article's written by military knife collectors etc. Not Capitan Fairbairn !!!

[@partymarty5207]

What was the knife you laid next to the Faibairn at the intro?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That would be the UK-SFK. It is currently the issue knife for SAS units.

[@regholwill8476]

I have an FS knife I bought decades ago, you can just about make out a cross stamped on one side of the blade at the top near the guard, do you know how much they are worth as I am thinking of selling it as I am now 69.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I would recommend going to the website in the description and contacting the gentleman who runs that website. He is far more knowledgeable on the topic than myself and will be better able to asses your blade.

[@karlgaiser9783]

Is this a dagger that I see before me, the handle toward my hand?

[@B-leafer]

Although the original pattern of the F S. Dagger may have proceeded as this video suggests, the pattern itself was not new, and was preceeded by the American "Arkansas Toothpick " decades prior to WW1. Although the shape of these early knives varied, they didn't have the drawbacks of the later FS daggers (broken tip, stress risers and no ricasso, knife rolling in the hand caused by round handle).

[@jimbob465]

Arkansas toothpicks are much larger than the fs knives.

[@2adamast]

@@jimbob465 Seen old Italian daggers with metal handle looking the part

[@dwynnell]

There is a 4th pat available now. I don’t think it’s for civvys though, but I’ve been told different things by different people.

[@anthonyburke5656]

As a kid I was given a Fairbairn Sykes by my Uncle, I don’t know where he got it, he was in the Italian campaign and later in the Balkans, BUT the knife he gave me has a Knuckle Duster handle! There are no markings I can see on the knife. I believe he got the knife either in Italy, England or the Balkans. I’m not sure he was “issued” with the knife. I’d be interested to know if anyone else has a similar one and knows the history of the type.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

There are quite a few knives that had "in theater" made grips. A lot of knives were customized very similar to your knife. It wouldn't have been issued like that, but rather refitted later on by your uncle or one of his friends. Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@anthonyburke5656]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel if it was retrofitted with the knuckleduster handle, it was a really good job, it looks factory made! Thanks for the info.

[@SoldierAndrew]

The Case V42 was the perfect light infantry commando combat dagger ever made. Albeit was a WWII production and not a WWI production. Historical fact, according to research conducted by Col Rex Applegate , the most confirmed knife kills of WWII were made by a Fin commando using a humble 5" blade Sami Pukko knife to kill Russian sentries.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@santathommo9202]

One question . I had one but it was stolen ..now as a Australian I had a more modern fs . I can remember some numbers and I can remember the fs but I can't remember if the fs was inside a kangaroo .. I also remember a small fault in the cast handle . it was part of my kit but apart from using it for everything but ,, never had used it for its intended purpose.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm not sure I know what the question is. Could you rephrase it for me?

[@santathommo9202]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I was asking as my memory is a bit on the short side . The dagger that I had ..was there a kangaroo 🦘 on the blade of some of the Australian issue and I seem to remember fs inside the kangaroo .45 yrs ago .

[@derrells123]

liked - subscribed - fan

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for the support! i look forwards to seeing you on the channel again!

[@DH-.]

Christopher Lee the actor that played count duku did stab someone while he was in the military during WW2. also a talented metal musician, very interesting person

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I would have loved to meet Christopher Lee!

[@kutter_ttl6786]

I recall an interesting story Peter Jackson told about directing him in LOTR. It's a deleted scene but when Saruman was stabbed in the back, Jackson wanted Christopher Lee to yell out but Lee corrected him and told him that when you stab a man in the lungs like that they gasp instead of scream. Jackson was aware of Lee's WW2 experience so wisely took his advice.

[@user-tg3po1iv9v]

Ahhh, my first felony; I remember it well ~

[@robertmason9737]

Was this knife also made to be used as a field knife for bushcraft?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It was not. It found itself drafted into that role quite regularly though and had a reputation for breaking easily during every day camp tasks.

[@lisadhom262]

I recall an article published years ago which claimed the original fs daggers were fabricated in Shanghai police armory by cutting down obsolete Wilkinson sword bayonets. Not sure what model of bayonet was used and cannot recall authors name.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I would not be surprised if some of the Shanghai knives were fabricated from Wilkinson bayonets. Repurposing larger blades into smaller ones is quite common.

[@alancranford3398]

I'm going to claim that the FS Commando Dagger wasn't designed or indented for knife fighting but as a surprise attack for the purpose of killing the enemy. Ideally, the enemy would be oblivious to the commando until it was too late. A proper knife for fencing would be larger and heavier, an Arkansas Toothpick or the Smachet.

[@Atelieramateurboismetal]

J’en possède un de ces poignards, il appartenait à mon grand-père qui était officier dans la résistance avec un réseau Britannique, il était arrivé dans le sud-ouest de la France par parachutage de la RAF. Je me demande à quoi servent les quatre petites ailettes en cuir sur le fourreau ?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Those tabs on the sheath were there as anchor points to sew the knife onto your clothing. It was supposed to make hiding the knife easier.

[@rickworkman4608]

No one ever lists weights. Supposedly the 3rd blade is lighter. I know production varied, but it had to be a range. What are the weights of all patterns?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That is an interesting point, I'll have to look into that in future. Thank-you for bringing it to my attention and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@rickworkman4608]

Ranges I've seen listed. 1st 230-270g 2nd 220-240g 3rd 250-260g Asked ebay sellers for weights. What I got back on 2nd and 3rd matched these ranges, except often just out on bottom end on WWII knives, 80 years of wear and sharpening is my guess. I assume the wide range on 1st is because all hand made. Shows the light handle Fairbairn would have disliked was the cast brass one on the 2nds. Cast with a hollow around tang for brass savings, only reason I can see for lightest weight, spec and actual. The third spec is in upper range of first, even though the blade should be just slightly lighter, no triangle grind at the guard. Again, actual weights are indeed heavier than the 2nds. So best match to original is the 3rd, not the 2nd.

[@RandyBeretta-db5bg]

Ya gotta love History.! 🤔

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

Thirty two seconds of typically american banging thumping hollowoodisation of what ought to have been a simple, straightforward and EASY TO WATCH video was enough for me. Thank you very much! You might as well have said "made in the usa right at the start and saved me those thirty two seconds.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for taking the time to support the channel by commenting!

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

++@@TheKnifeLifeChannel++ And thank you for bothering to reply to my somewhat insulting post.

[@bradleycurtis4703]

My brother had one given to him its got established 1700. Brown handle with gold red and black stripes on it what does that mean

[@pinkyellowblue007]

But how good is it for bushcraft and splitting logs?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

You can use anything to split a log if you swing it hard enough...

[@frankmartinez4856]

My Fairbairn was stolen! My friend had pick this up for me 😅 was looking for a second one, before it got stolen! Since I studied southern Chinese martial arts! They used double daggers 😮

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Unfortunately that seems to be a pretty common story. Lots of F-S dagger heirlooms have been lost over the years the exact same way. I'm sure you will be able to find another. Another possibility would be to upgrade to an Applegate-Fairbairn from Boker.

[@drengskap]

I believe that a depiction of the FS knife still appears in the Royal Marine Commando insignia.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

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

[@rogercarbonell3696]

Rumour is that many of the issued knives were modded to a shorter, belly-type shape to make them useful for things more important than silencing sentries. Stuff you do every day, like eating.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I expect a number of these were reground and repurposed for such tasks after the tip broke.

[@lesthompson5907]

yes often they we made by the solder. Or blacksmith to ordered With a 32 blade. often from a farer's file. I still have my grandfather blade today i carried in the army as a served my time. I later had my own built. with a full tang though similar I fattened out the handle which maid it more confinable in my opinion whit only the first 3" dual sided & the other a full blade which prevented tuning in the hand. the flatter full tang added feathering of wood for fier making & the shorter 4" blade complied with to days knife law's when out camping A beter but functional FBS blade in my opinion .

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@mariorodrigues5796]

Com crtza uma faca de respeito e eficaz nunca tive uma e são raras e quando acho o preço é alto

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting!

[@mariorodrigues5796]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel 🗡🗡🗡🗡👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@gy4246]

UMSC Sword please?

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm looking at a video on the Mamaluke saber, which will encompass the story of its adoption by the Marines.