Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally interesting British WWII Second Pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife by Wilkinson Sword Co. of London, with the blade personally etched to ROBERT J. PODOJIL, a U.S. Army Air Forces B 24 pilot who was killed in action over Germany on March 19, 1945. Named Fairbairn Sykes knives are seldom encountered, and the identification of Podojil as a wartime combat pilot makes this a particularly strong research piece.

The knife features the classic Second Pattern configuration with a blackened solid brass grip, straight crossguard, and double edged blade. Much of the original black finish has worn away from the handle, exposing the brass beneath and giving the grip a very attractive service used appearance.

The ricasso is clearly etched:

WILKINSON
SWORD
CO.
LONDON

The opposite side is etched:

THE
F S
FIGHTING
KNIFE

Most importantly, the blade is additionally etched within a decorative scroll:

ROBERT J. PODOJIL

The personalized etching remains largely visible, although there is wear through the center portion of the inscription.

Our research identified First Lieutenant Robert J. Podojil as a B 24 Liberator pilot serving with the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force. He was killed in action on March 19, 1945, while flying his 18th combat mission over Germany. He was 24 years old at the time of his death.

Podojil was flying B 24 Liberator serial number 42-51907. According to the information located during our research, the mission involved an attack on a German jet aircraft assembly facility.

While we do not presently have documentation explaining exactly when or under what circumstances Podojil received the knife, the personalized blade etching strongly associates it with him. The term “Presentation” is therefore used in the broad collector sense for a named or personalized knife rather than as a claim that a formal presentation ceremony has been documented.

The knife remains in very good overall condition. The blade still has a sharp edge and shows evidence of use and minor sharpening. Much of the original finish has been lost from the blade, although the original factory ground edge remains partly visible.

The brass grip shows considerable wear, with most of the original blackening now gone and the underlying brass exposed. The crossguard remains tight to the grip and is unmarked.

The knife measures approximately 11 5/8 inches overall, with a 6 5/8 inch blade and a crossguard measuring approximately 1 7/8 inches.

The accompanying sheath is not the standard factory pattern normally associated with the Fairbairn Sykes knife. Instead, it is a custom made leather sheath measuring approximately 12 3/8 inches long, fitted with a securing strap and snap. The sheath shows heavy wear and oxidation but remains with the knife.

The Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife originated from discussions between William E. Fairbairn, Eric A. Sykes, and Wilkinson Sword Company in late 1940. Fairbairn and Sykes brought extensive experience in close combat and sought a purpose built fighting knife suitable for British Commandos and other specialized troops.

The earliest First Pattern knives appeared in late 1940 and featured a more elaborate construction, including nickel plated fittings and a curved S shaped crossguard. As wartime production requirements increased, Wilkinson simplified the design into what collectors now call the Second Pattern.

The Second Pattern retained the distinctive double edged blade and deeply checkered brass grip but adopted a straight crossguard and simplified blade construction. Production began during 1941 and continued into 1943. Early examples could have bright or nickel finished components, while later production increasingly used blackened finishes.

The Fairbairn Sykes became one of the most recognizable fighting knives of WWII and was closely associated with British Commandos, airborne troops, special operations personnel, and other Allied forces. Its reputation also made it a desirable privately acquired or presentation item among Allied servicemen.

The combination of Wilkinson manufacture, desirable Second Pattern construction, personalized blade etching, custom period style sheath, and the identification of Robert J. Podojil as a U.S. Army Air Forces B 24 pilot killed in action makes this a particularly compelling example. The knife presents an excellent opportunity for additional research into Podojil’s service, his final mission, and the circumstances under which he acquired this British fighting knife.