The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife is one of the most iconic combat knives of all time. Designed by two British soldiers, William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes, during World War II, this knife was specifically intended for use by the British Commandos, a special forces unit. Over the years, the knife has become a symbol of elite military units and is still in use today by some special forces.
In this guide, we will explore the history, design, and usage of the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife.
History:
William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes were both experts in close combat fighting and had extensive experience in hand-to-hand combat. They served in the British army during World War II and trained many soldiers in close combat fighting techniques. Fairbairn and Sykes were both aware of the limitations of the standard issue knives and recognized the need for a specialized knife for close combat situations.
In 1940, Fairbairn and Sykes designed the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife. The knife was initially intended for use by the British Commandos, a special forces unit that was established in 1940. The Commandos were tasked with carrying out raids and other missions behind enemy lines, and they needed a knife that was lightweight, durable, and effective in close combat situations.
Design:
The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife is a double-edged dagger-style knife that is approximately 7 inches in length. The blade is made from high-carbon steel, which provides excellent edge retention and durability. The blade is also sharpened on both edges, making it a deadly weapon in close quarters combat.
The handle of the knife is made from a combination of brass and leather. The brass provides a sturdy base for the handle and protects the hand from any impact. The leather provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when the handle is wet.
One of the distinctive features of the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife is the knurled pattern on the handle. This pattern provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions, and allows the user to maintain a firm grip on the knife during combat.
Usage:
The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife was designed for use in close combat situations. It was intended to be a lethal weapon that could be used to quickly dispatch an opponent in hand-to-hand combat. The knife was also designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, which made it an ideal weapon for soldiers operating behind enemy lines.
During World War II, the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife was used by British and Allied special forces, including the SAS (Special Air Service) and the SOE (Special Operations Executive). The knife proved to be a highly effective weapon in close combat situations, and it helped the Commandos and other special forces to carry out their missions with great success.
Today, the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife may still be used by some special forces units, and it is also popular among collectors and enthusiasts of military history and edged weapons.
Conclusion:
The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife is an iconic combat knife that has played an important role in military history. Designed by two British soldiers during World War II, this knife was specifically intended for use by the British Commandos, a special forces unit. Over the years, the knife has become a symbol of elite military units and is still in use today by some special forces.
Common Questions
Is The Fairbairn Sykes Commando Knife still issued?
The knife is still issued, however seldom used as newer designs are more effective in the military now.
Below is some information on the types of them made NOTE: I can not verify if the information is 100% correct
Type I - The Type I Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife was the first design of the knife and features a straight, symmetrical blade with a diamond-shaped cross-section. The handle is made of brass with a leather covering and has a pronounced finger guard.
Type II - The Type II Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife has a longer, slightly curved blade than the Type I, with a double-edged point. The handle is similar to the Type I, with a brass base and leather covering.
Type III - The Type III Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife features a shorter blade with a more pronounced curve, designed to be used as a stabbing weapon. The handle is made of brass with a leather covering, and the finger guard is less pronounced than on the earlier models.
Type IV - The Type IV Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife features a longer, curved blade with a spear-point tip. The handle is made of brass with a leather covering, and the finger guard is less pronounced than on the earlier models.
Third Pattern - The Third Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife was designed for use by the British Parachute Regiment and features a shorter, more compact blade than the earlier models. The handle is made of brass with a leather covering, and the finger guard is smaller and less pronounced.
Smatchet - The Smatchet is a larger version of the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife, designed for use as a machete or short sword. It features a broad, heavy blade with a single edge and a hooked tip. The handle is made of wood or plastic and has a brass pommel.
Sykes-Fairbairn Fighting Knife - The Sykes-Fairbairn Fighting Knife is a later version of the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife, designed for use by the British armed forces during the 1940s and 1950s. It features a longer, more slender blade than the earlier models and has a simple, streamlined design.
Overall, each type of Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife has its own unique design and features, but they all share a common goal of providing soldiers with a lightweight, durable, and effective combat knife.
