WWII BRITISH FAIRBAIRN SYKES KNIFE (EARLY 3rd PATTERN)

[@SilentButDescriptive]

Very nice. I have a 3 and 2 of the modern J Nowill ones. Still an original manufacturer from back in the day but I would love to have one from the original period. Way out of my price range. They need to have very sharp edges according to Fairbairn. Modern ones are no way sharp enough to impress the designers back in WW2. Lots of arguments online "They should never be sharpened" "They should be sharpened" well it's in his book they should be and he explains why. A dull knife tears internally and the body constricts blood vessels to try and survive. A clean cut bleeds out fast. Gruesome, but historically accurate. I sharpened both mine and re-blued the pattern 3.

[@ShimomuraTakezoWong]

The blade is slightly shorter i believe it broke and was resharpened...

[@ShimomuraTakezoWong]

I own a brass handle Pattern 3 that belongs to my father have been playing with it since I was 12 years old but it wasn't given to me until I was 41 years old, he was still holding on to it when he was 79 years old he passed away in 2016 at 94 years old a 🇬🇧 colonial veteran of the Pacific War... that's why I know it's actual blade length.

[@CountryWolf_TX]

What makes this beauty an "early" 3rd?

[@worldwar6ix]

The pattern and markings

[@CountryWolf_TX]

@@worldwar6ix Clearly but which ones. I’m having a hard time finding a guide online

[@garethevans60]

Hi, I have what I believe to be the 3rd pattern. No markings whatsoever apart from what looks to be a 1 on the end of the handle. Would that be a early WW2 dagger?

[@worldwar6ix]

I would have to see clear pictures but yes a 3rd pattern may have a number 1 - 4 on the handle each number indicates which of the 4 manufacturer that made the knife. Based off just the info you provided, yes it is a good chance it is a genuine ww2 produced knife by #1 manufacturer marked on the handle. Cheers