1st Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife FS

1st Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife FS

The 1st Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife was developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai in 1941. It is a double edged stilleto knife designed specifically for thrusting. The F-S Fighting Knifes were designed exclusively for surprise attack and fighting, with a slender blade that can easily penetrate a ribcage. The commando's and later the SAS would use this knife effectively in hand to hand combat. The Wilkinson Sword manufactured the knife and on the the ricasso it is etched WILKINSON SWORD Co Ltd LONDON as seen below

1st pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife detail

The other side of ricasso of the knife will be etched as below with the text The F-S FIGHTING KNIFE.


1st Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife detail

The knife had an S shaped crossguard. The grip was made of brass and this and the crossguard were both nickel plated. The blades were ground by hand and then blued. The grip was cut with a diamond pattern again done by hand.This produces a dark ring effect around the grip not seen on the reproductions. The knife is probably one the most iconic knives around. The 1st pattern commands a high retail price of around £1200 -£1600.