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Posted 7 months ago
dlfd911
(51 items)
I have had this knife packed away for about 20 years. I am not even sure where I got it, but I used to collect knives a long time ago, so I may have found it at a flea market or yard sale back then. While looking through various posts on CW I found one that showed a familiar knife, so I went up in the attic and dug through bins until I found this. The blade measures 6 5/8 inches long, and the entire knife measures 11 1/4 inches. The black finish on the handle is worn through a a few areas, showing a copper color beneath. The only marking on it is "Sheffield England" on the handle side of the cross guard. The sheath that I got it with is not original, but the blade is so sharp that I don't dare leave it unprotected. In fact, quite ironically, the leather sheath is marked "made in Germany".
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Hi dlfd911, NICE!....this is the latest pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife as still issued to UK and some other NATO Special Forces. This looks like it still has it's "Midnight Black" "stealth" finish intact. I believe the latest sheath is made from "Cordura" rather than the old WW2 leather pattern. As Germany is in NATO it is entirely resonable for them to supply the sheath if you think it is contemporary with the knife. (I know the UK MOD sources it's equipment from within all NATO Countries...whoever can give the best product at the best deal!)Thanks for posting!
For anyone interested, heres the posts to my Fairbairn-Sykes etc:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/71165-fairbairn-sykes-fighting-knife
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/71170-fairbairns-book-get-tough
Thank you for this information Hems303, it's much appreciated. So it's possible that the black leather sheath that is with my knife is original to it then. It has a really nice feel in your hand, balanced perfectly, easy to hold with a light or heavy grip. The blade is quite sharp, although if I were to carry it I would have to put a razor edge on it.
If the sheath looks right, then it probably is. The leather sheath did continue for some time after the war, and the Germans very quickly became equipment suppliers to the UK and others (small things to start with...now it's tanks, ships and aircraft too!). The knife should have a razor edge to it, mine certainly does!!!! It is one of the most beautifully balanced knives I have ever handled, and there is absolutely no mistaking it's one and only purpose.
Regarding it's purpose in "life"......The troops who were issued it in WW2 did have a major complaint...the Fairbairn-Sykes ALWAYS snapped at the blade when you tried to open a can of beans with it!!!