2 knife. The design of this knife has reached legendary status from the combat issuance during World War II and later from continuous use by the British Ministry of Defense. While it doesnt appear that the records are readily accessible, its good to know that all that history was not destroyed in a flood in Miami in the 1970s, as it has been rumored. Specification. A Secret Agent pen knife which had folding aluminum butterfly-type grips, later to be referred to as a Model No. if (getCartItem(3) > 0) { Twitter, Telephone 01892 538364. We welcome feedback from our customers on all aspects of our business. This meant that crucial changes were made to the knife design. Below: The quality of this knife was so awful I returned it. The design has influenced the design of knives throughout the period since its introduction. Made in England. // --> The History of the Commando Knife. The 7-1/8" double-edged blade is engraved on one side with the French Military Paratroop insignia, and: "PARACHUTISTE FRANCE / ETAP PAU/Brevet No._____ 1966". Welcome to Kit Monster, Military Equipment and Survival Kit Supplies for the professional user. Show:All ManufacturersGerberLeathermanMOD IssueVanguard. 6 3/4" black finish stainless dagger blade. (1942). He started out with a few employees producing about 40 knives a week, but by 1944 he had as many as 37 men working around the clock, seven days a week. Blackhawk!, The length of the blade was chosen to give several inches of blade to penetrate the body after passing through the 3in (7.6cm) of the thickest clothing expected to be worn in the war, that of Soviet greatcoats. Leg or Belt Sheath. This is the WWII vintage KABAR Commando, which apparently was not issued, but rather a private purchase item that could be bought in the base or post exchange and was favored by Navy pilots and SeaBees, among others, because its blade is shorter than the issue KA-BAR's and because the shiny blade is less prone to . Please see our 'Carriage and Shipping' notes. The original Fairbairn Sykes knife was developed during World War II, when Wilkinson Sword collaborated with Capt. - The Gun Digest Book of Knives, p. 275-277, B.R. Eric A Sykes to design a knife for the newly formed British Commando Force. Their son, Mr. Gary Whitney Ek, went into the sound and video field and currently resides in Key West, FL where he is also in the custom knife and cutlery sharpening business. They would eventually spearhead the invasions of Europe and Asia and their importance to the allied war effort can never be under estimated. Tactical Knives. If it were marked as an authentic WW2 MOD-issued F/S knife, it could fetch 2-4x that estimate with the right collector. Cordura, Crye Precision, Furthermore, the great cutlers of Sheffield would have been more than capable of designing and manufacturing the F-S knife. And we don't sell your details to anyone else. This knife is not in my collection, but Im showing it to illustrate another early Hamden marking: Miami, FL No. William Rodgers, as part of the Egginton Group, produce an all-black "sterile" version of the knife, devoid of any markings showing maker for NATO use.[8]. All rights reserved. BFPO addresses are entitled to the same postage rates as UK addresses, and some addresses qualify for free postage. Pointy 6 3/4 inch blade is ground with a one inch ricasso which is marked "WSC" & "3". A US-made Celcon sheath with retaining strap . Leatherman, Anson, 12. We aim to dispatch your order the same day it is received, and keep you informed of your order status*. Our retail store is based on North Road, Darlington however all our online items are available for delivery across the UK and worldwide. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. The first number identified the model (or, Style number as Mr. Ek called it). General Robert T. Frederick of the Devil's Brigade (First Special Service Force) is credited with a similar weapon, the V-42 commando knife The first pattern daggers had drop-forged carbon steel blades characterised by a flat ricasso to the blade which was deep-etched with the The F-S Fighting Knife and Wilkinson Sword. Please make your choice from the drop down lists. 3rd Pattern Sheath choice. 48.00. Prefer to place your order over the 'phone? Quantity: Show First 12 Product (s) Sheffield Knives | Military Knives. Vanguard, All rights reserved. US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY. The design of this knife has reached legendary status from the combat issuance during World War II and later from continuous use by the British Ministry of . Cross guard is stamped "William Rodgers". $('#itemLabel').text("items"); Quantity: 3rd Pattern Blade choice. Next they tried acid ink and finally they went back to engraving using a New Hermes Engraver. The British Type D Survival Knife has had limited issue with the ADF for several decades, both in the Army and the Air Force. Or would you prefer to create an account? . Bahco, Laplander, NATO Model | Saw, Wire, 'Commando', MOD Issue | Loop, Belt, OG, Mora Frost Clipper Knife (belt loop only) . Disciple OSE, $('#itemPrice').html(getCartItem(1)); [3] A total of 20,000 units of the OSS version were produced. These are identified as such within the item descriptions. Welcome to the original Fairbairn Sykes, since 1941 the FS Fighting Knife has been Britain's centre of sidearm excellence and we pride ourselves on maintaining that tradition of beauty, craftsmanship and reliability in the knives and accessories we produce. We provide high quality military, survival, and outdoor kit and equipment from government and commercial sources. Unauthorised use is an infringement of copyrights, trademarks, or proprietary rights. It is said that President Roosevelt kept one in his desk at the White House, while Army Air Corps Major Gable carried one with him when flying combat missions behind German lines. Browning, The Commando Regiment was formed in 1940 at the behest of Winston Churchill himself. Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife. NSN . ref.no.D1747. This was the 2,251 knife produced after knife serialization began. in my collection, but Im showing it to illustrate another early Hamden marking: . As the saloon owner says in the Outlaw Josey Wales. The new handle would have been easier to cast and would have been requiring of little or no remedial work. Ending Today at 9:48PM PDT 5h 27m. Furthermore strategically important materials like brass were now in short supply. (getCartItem(3) > 1)) This legendary blade has proven to be ideal for Royal Marines and other elite commandos who need a fighting knife designed for their special missions. Eric A Sykes to design a knife for the newly formed British Commando Force. We also offer a selection of items for sale through eBay. . . The knife second from right is an issued SOG . No company logo; it is simply inscribed John Ek Knife on the ricasso. The new Fairbairn Sykes collection also includes a cutting edge line of limited edition tactical and fitness wear, bringing the brand to a new frontier with its balanced blend of both the past and present. The British Commando Knife is an authentic British Army Commando Knife that is still being made and issued to Royal Marines. To enjoy these privileges, please ensure you register your BFPO address as being in the UK, regardless of your true location. If anyone sees any item on this post to which they hold ownership and I did not credit them, please contact me and I will be glad to credit them, or I will ask an Admin to remove it, whichever they prefer. 2. They are meant for one function only and are superbly suited to that purpose. The US Office of Strategic Services's knife manufacturing bid was approximately one-fifteenth of the British equivalent, but the US version of the knife, manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark, of New Britain, Connecticut, was improperly tempered and inferior to the British F-S fighting knife in materials and workmanship. We also offer selected army surplus items. After his father passed away in 1976, young Mr. Ek moved to St. Augustine with a knife store and began making knives again. What did General George S. Patton, Jr., President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clark Gable and a number of members of the Assault Brigade 2506 (of Bay of Pigs fame) all have in common? A drawing of the knife and sheath was produced by Wilkinsons in October 1942, presumably to enable the Ministry of Supply to approach other manufacturers as the demand further increased with the war effort. Later production runs of the F-S fighting knife have a blade length that is about 7.5in (19cm). Please click here to view conditions. Email eval(unescape('%76%61%72%20%73%3D%27%61%6D%6C%69%6F%74%69%3A%66%6E%40%6F%69%6B%6D%74%6E%6F%74%73%72%65%63%2E%2E%6F%6B%75%27%3B%76%61%72%20%72%3D%27%27%3B%66%6F%72%28%76%61%72%20%69%3D%30%3B%69%3C%73%2E%6C%65%6E%67%74%68%3B%69%2B%2B%2C%69%2B%2B%29%7B%72%3D%72%2B%73%2E%73%75%62%73%74%72%69%6E%67%28%69%2B%31%2C%69%2B%32%29%2B%73%2E%73%75%62%73%74%72%69%6E%67%28%69%2C%69%2B%31%29%7D%64%6F%63%75%6D%65%6E%74%2E%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3C%61%20%68%72%65%66%3D%22%27%2B%72%2B%27%22%3E%69%6E%66%6F%40%6B%69%74%6D%6F%6E%73%74%65%72%2E%63%6F%2E%75%6B%3C%2F%61%3E%27%29%3B')) A long time ago it saved my life and it has a place of honor with me ever since. 23.95. Stamped on the cross guard War Arrow J Nowill & Sons Sheffield England This is the 3rd pattern model issued from 1942 to the 1980's leather scabbard with metal tip guard Blackened steel blade Ribbed handle Hex pommel nut Blade length 17.5cms . By the time of the third pattern of design refinements (dating from October 1943) the knife was being produced by several manufacturers. We also welcome stock suggestions and bulk purchase enquiries. } We have already read how Sheffields involvement in the manufacture of the F-S Commando knife began when John Clarke & Sons received a drawing for the second pattern. 2004 - 2023 Sporting Outback Supplies. Sign up for a new account in our community. Camelbak, The blend of modern innovation, craftsmanship and precision engineering used in the production of our knives, demonstrates many years of striving to perfect the balance between reliability and efficiency with artistic elegance. 6, which he describes as two consecutively serially numbered, D237 and D236. This strongly suggests that two different models were in the same series. If you prefer to place your order by telephone, or have an enquiry, you can call us on 01892 538364 during our business hours, as given above. Ruana knives of the Vietnam period are marked "R.H. Ruana/Bonner/Montana M". The quality was comparable to a custom knife and Mr. Ek made sure of that; I understand that one of his inspectors in Hamden was blind and he used his sense of touch for locating imperfections on the finished blades! In addition to our web site, Kit Monster also operates a real world retail site. - Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger by Leroy Thompson (2011) - Wilkinsons and the F.S. A mild steel s-shaped cross guard and a brass nut completed the knife. Telephone 01892 538364. New Genuine Sheffield Stainless Steel Large 2 Piece M.O.D Issue Army Knife. Thank you! 486 sold. Design and features. United Kingdom. It is so sharp and reliable that one time I drove the tip through a dime. Note the thin grip and square, short butt extended . Fox, Gerber, Gore-Tex, Heckler & Koch (HK), Hydrastorm, Inova, IW Nexus, 60.00. The content on this website is owned by us and our licensors. Mr. Ek graciously confirmed that he made my knife in 1974 while working for his father, and answered another question that I had about the marks on the Miami Ek knives. By maintaining strong stock levels most UK orders are delivered within 48 hours of being placed. Nut is darkened stock size. The hilt should fit easily in your hand, and the blade should not be so heavy that it tends to drag the hilt from your fingers in a loose grip. As all Australian states have different knife laws, it is the Buyer's responsibility to contact their relevant authorities to ensure that the possession of this item is legal in their State or Territory. View our top of the line Autocrat double-edge dagger knives. - Photographs of Mr. John Gibson and Mr. Gary Ruleford knives for sale. According to his son, Mr. Gary W. Ek, after some colleagues convinced his father to start making Commando knives again, at first Mr. John Ek only made these two models: 1. 11 1/2" overall. The scabbard chape was also blacked to help prevent the metal from reflecting light. 7 Jungle knife, which he renamed the Model No. Multicam, However, not long after the Vietnam War began, Ek Commando knives went back in full production. It features in the insignia of the British 3 Commando Brigade, the Belgian Commandos, the Dutch Commando Corps (founded in the UK during World War II), and of the Australian . Petzl, The handle is 4 11/16 inches long, checquered and blackened in perfect condition. Orders delivered to some BFPO addresses may qualify for a VAT refund. So important and iconic has the knife become to the regiment that it even proudly appears on the Commando badge. The s-shaped guard was replaced by a simpler flat design and the flat ricasso was removed from the base of the blade, enabling a more straight forward grind which could be done by machine. - OKC December 2005 Knewsletter article by Frank Trzaska on p. 2 (Knotes on United States Military Edged Cutlery The John Ek Knife Company). Knife prices have fluctuated greatly recently, but unless it is one of the more desirable specimens as described above, it would probably go for between $50 and $150. The F-S knife has remained a vital part of commando kit and has been carried by Commandos during the Suez crisis, the Falklands War, the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. With Kit Monster you can buy in confidence. Trading Address: 67 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AY. The OSS stiletto was a double-edged knife based on the FairbairnSykes fighting knife. Intensively patriotic Mr. Ek, who could not qualify for military service due to injuries received in an auto accident in 1936 (a crushed hand), began producing his Commando knives in 1941. Click here to view our profile, and follow us to receive updates. 3, 4, 5, and the Floating Knife along with the proper sheath: In 1971 15-year old Gary W. Ek, became the youngest maker in the American Knifemakers Guild. The John Clarke and William Rodgers names form part of The Egginton Group of Companies, owners of SheffieldCollectableKnives.com. Brown leather belt sheath. The vase handle provides precise grip, and the blade's design is especially suited to its use as a fighting knife. In 1985 the American Historical Foundation bought Ek knives and acquired everything that went with it, including the Ek Commando Knife records. With its acutely tapered, sharply pointed blade, the F-S fighting knife is frequently described as a stiletto, a weapon optimised for thrusting,[2] although the F-S knife can be used to inflict slash cuts upon an opponent when its cutting edges are sharpened according to specification. In theory this gave a very adaptable mounting system, but the metal belt attachment risked injury to those wearing it, especially parachutists during airborne operations. While this production figure is still very impressive statistics for a small shop producing hand-made knives, it would help explain why there arent as many Ek knives around as you would think there would be. These are actual MOD issue right now to Royal Marines. Last image shows alternative J Adams Sheffield Knife. The all black dagger is supplied in two versions. No company logo; it is simply inscribed John Ek Knife on the ricasso. A full official specification for the knife would not be written until 1946, but manufacture continued at a number of companies, with more changes to the design being made as demand increased yet further, resulting in what is now known as the third pattern. . Black or Bright Carbon Steel Blade. $('#itemNumber').html(getCartItem(3)); This ringed grip is reputed to have disappointed one of the original designers as it unbalanced the weapon and made harder to hold when wet, but it was used by the manufacturers as it was simple to produce and could be cast from a cheaper and more plentiful alloy instead of using up quantities of scarce brass stock. Designed for hard, immediate use, Benchmade tactical knives are high strength and feature robust mechanisms for situations w here performance is a must. Posted November 14, 2006. J. Adams Sheffield England Carbon Steel Israeli Commando Knife 005. Almost two million of the British knives were made. Modern Version of Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife. Note the thin grip and square, short butt extended . These knives are what came to be known as the First Pattern design. Of late there are rumors of people counterfeiting stampings which clouds the issue considerably. Its a true fighting knife and not a toy. - The National Knife Magazine, p.22-23, "Where are all the John Ek Commando Knives?" by Steven Dick, August 1986 issue - Military KnivesA Reference Book, "Knives of John Ek, p147-150," November 1996 article on Knife World by Michael W. Silvey - Theater made Military Knives of World War II, p. 152, by Bill & Debbie Wright, 2001 Later Ruana's do not have the final .'M". These are carbon steel and will rust. It is essential that the blade have a sharp stabbing point and good cutting edges, because an artery torn through (as against a clean cut) tends to contract and stop the bleeding. Country of Origin: Sheffield United Kingdom, SPECIFICATIONS: Blade Material: High Carbon Steel Blade Style: Double Edge Dagger Blade Finish: Black Coated Handle Material: Black Cast Metal Comes with UK Made metal tipped leather sheath. All trade marks remain the property of their respective owners. A Brief History of the FairbairnSykes Fighting Knife, "British Commando Took Out ISIS Fighter with a WW2 Fairbairn-Sykes Knife", "Also available as NATO Stock Number 1095 99 963 2037", "Meet the Group of Tough People Who Are Secretly Keeping You Safe | News | Rojak Daily", Fighting knives used by British commandos and SOE during WW2, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=FairbairnSykes_fighting_knife&oldid=1142248714, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 09:28. If you are not happy, for any reason, you may return your goods for a full refund. Made in England. It takes great skill and an ability to conceptualize, creating form from formlessness to produce such work. The F-S fighting knife was designed for surprise attack and fighting, with a slender blade that can easily penetrate a ribcage. This is an original production knife from Sheffield and I had a leg sheath customized by Mr. Robert Jones at http://www.handsewnleather.com/. The knife second from the left is a Ruana model 29 Junior Bowie. https://www.sportingoutbacksupplies.com.au/j-adams-sheffield-england-dagger.html?category_id=262. ); so, B929 would be knife no. Price per knife - 320. This knife was owned by Trooper JJ Dann who was a member of 2/6 Commando Squadron This knife is 14 1/32'' (358mm) long and weighs 1 lb 11/2 oz (500gm) . The content of the website is protected by international copyright and owned by Fairbairn Sykes. $63.47. Ten different Ek Commando knife models were produced in Hamden by hand.