{"product_id":"original-british-wwii-oss-smatchet-heavy-fighting-knife-with-scabbard-2","title":"Original British WWII OSS Smatchet Heavy Fighting Knife with Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a great example of a scarce WWII Issue OSS Smatchet, or Heavy fighting knife. These measure 16.5 inches (42 cm) in overall length, with a heavy 11 inch blade. It was designed by William E. Fairbairn during World War II, who also helped design the Sykes-Fairbairn commando dagger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Fairbairn, the Smatchet was an ideal close-combat weapon for those not armed with a rifle and bayonet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe psychological reaction of any man, when he first takes the smatchet in his hand is full justification for its recommendation as a fighting weapon. He will immediately register all the essential qualities of a good soldier - confidence, determination, and aggressiveness. Its balance, weight and killing power, with the point, edge or pommel, combined with the extremely simple training necessary to become efficient in its use, make it the ideal personal weapon for all those not armed with a rifle and bayonet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe smatchet was used by British and American special forces (Special Air Service and Office of Strategic Services, respectively) during World War II. Though described in the Office of Strategic Services catalog as a cross between a machete and a bolo, it was actually based on the Royal Welch Fusiliers Trench Knife of World War I, and was designed as a pure combat knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a broad, leaf-shaped blade sharpened the full length on one side, and from the tip to half of the other side. The entire blade is coated with a dull matte finish to prevent detection at night from stray reflections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in very good condition, and does show signs of extensive use. The blade still has most of the original finish, and does appear to have been sharpened multiple times. The handle is in good shape, with no major issues with the wood, and most of the paint on the pommel is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leather covered wooden scabbard is in very good condition as well, with the only issue being that the retaining strap for the knife has torn off from the back side and is missing. The belt strap at the back is still intact. There is some wear on the leather, particularly on the inside, probably from rubbing against a uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is only the second smatchet that we have offered for sale, and this is a great opportunity to own one of these scarce fighting knives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 11\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged with Fuller\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 16 1\/2“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 3 1\/2”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 12\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40575190564933,"sku":"ONSV23SHS60","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23SHS60__02.jpg?v=1684153463","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-wwii-oss-smatchet-heavy-fighting-knife-with-scabbard-2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}