Original Item: Only One Available. This is a well used example of a late WWII 3rd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife, later fitted with an unusual postwar wooden grip and accompanied by a heavily worn partial original scabbard.

The knife measures approximately 11 7/8 inches overall with a 7 1/8 inch double edged spear point blade.

The blade itself is unmarked and shows scattered oxidation throughout, with some areas having been cleaned in the past. The cutting edges remain relatively sharp, and the blade retains the narrow, symmetrical profile characteristic of the Fairbairn Sykes pattern.

The plain steel crossguard remains tight against the blade with no noticeable movement. It retains a substantial amount of its original dark finish, together with scattered surface oxidation.

The most unusual feature is the wooden grip, which was clearly fitted after the war in place of the original 3rd Pattern cast grip. This is the first example we have encountered with this type of modification. The reason for the replacement is unknown, but it gives the knife a particularly distinctive appearance and suggests that it continued to be used or retained after its original military service.

The accompanying scabbard is of the standard Fairbairn Sykes wartime type but is now incomplete and heavily worn. The leather has become soft and well broken in, with extensive scuffing, splitting, and areas where the surface has worn away.

The original brass chape remains present at the tip. The upper leather tongue and belt attachment section are entirely missing.

The Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife originated from a November 1940 meeting between William E. Fairbairn, Eric A. Sykes, and Wilkinson Sword Company. Fairbairn and Sykes brought extensive experience in close combat and developed a purpose built dagger intended for British Commandos and other specialized troops.

The earliest 1st Pattern knives appeared in late 1940 and featured more elaborate construction, including nickel plated fittings, a curved S shaped guard, and a finely checkered brass grip.

As wartime production increased, the design was progressively simplified. The 2nd Pattern introduced a straight guard and simplified blade construction, while the 3rd Pattern, introduced in 1943, adopted the familiar ringed cast grip and a more standardized machine ground blade.

The 3rd Pattern was produced by a number of manufacturers and remained in production long after WWII, resulting in considerable variation among surviving examples.

This knife is particularly interesting because it combines an original WWII 3rd Pattern blade and guard with a later wooden replacement grip, creating an unusual example that reflects a long postwar service or ownership history. The heavily worn original scabbard adds further character to the set.

A distinctive and well used Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife with an unusual postwar modification and strong period appearance.