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Knives
Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife
One of the most recognized fighting knives in the world, often called
the Commando knife or dagger. The FS Fighting Knife was standard issue
for most Commando Brigades. While I have not seen photographic evidence
of its use by the LRDG. it is assumed they were issued this knife.
FS Pattern 1 (replica)
FS Pattern 2 (replica)
FS Pattern 3
FS Sheath (forearm or belt)
In 1940, Capt. William Ewart Fairbairn and Capt. Eric Anthony Sykes the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife. The first production run was referred to as the 1st Pattern. This model identified with it's classic "S" guard and flat ricasso. These were made in limited numbers.
Next came the 2nd Pattern with a straight cross guard diamond knurled pattern grip, and rounded ball end. and finally the 3rd Pattern with the ringed no-slip grip and cruder workmanship. The 2nd and 3rd pattern would have been most common in the desert campaign. Today, the 3rd pattern is still issued but all patterns are produced as a replicas by many knife makers.
The original Fairbairn Sykes Pattern 2 and 3 were finished in dull black finish with a balance point just behind the cross guard where the index finger would meet the grip, which allowed the knife to be used as a throwing knife.
The sheath was leather with a brass chafe (tip). It was designed to be worn strapped to a leg or forearm or hung from a belt.
Specifications, all patterns.
Overall length: 11.5 inches (29.21 cm)
Length of blade: 7.5 inches (19.05 cm)
British Army Clasp Knife (pocket knife)
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While hardly a fighting knife, the British Army Clasp Knife was an important utility knife. The knife itself consist of s small knife blade (sheep's foot), a can opener, a screwdriver point(on end of grip), and rather large marline spike (the curved spike). The model to the left is made by Sheffield in 1941. Similar models are made today but with a stainless steel grip. Overall length, folded 4 inches (about 10cm) |
British Military Pattern Locking Blade (Jack Knife)
The Military Pattern jack knife consisted of a single bladed knife that would lock in place once opened, making it safer to use when cutting. Despite the much sharper point, the knife was still a utility knife designed for small jobs such as cutting small wire, chords or even chunks of plastic explosives. This particular type of knife was issued to Commandos and the SOE and dropped by the thousands over occupied Europe for use in sabotage operations. Later versions had a small hook like blade added to the butt end of the handle that was used for slashing tyres.
Overall Length: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
Blade: under 4 inches
Military Pattern Flick Knife (swtichblade)
The British Military Pattern Flick Knife bears a striking resemblance to the Luftwaffe's gravity knife issued to pilots and paratroopers. The main difference is the German gravity knife had a natural wood handle and the British produced flick knife had grips made of black bakelite. The knife was primarily issued to the Paras, S.O.E. and Commandos. The knife may have been used by the LRDG. The flick knife was not a fighting knife. Its purpose was to allow one handed opening of a utility knife as this was sometimes extremely important under combat conditions. (For instance when trying to cut det cord while holding an explosive in place or when one hand is applying pressure to an arterial wound and you need to cut free webbing or clothing on an injured mate.) Flick knives and other pocket knives are small and easily carried and concealed making them essential for a troopers bail-out kit. (Unlike a gravity knife which opened with the assistance of gravity, the flick knife has a spring loaded blade. This pattern seems to have an OTF or out the front blade opening.)
Overall Length: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
Blade: under 4 inches
Pattern 1907, Mk1 "SMLE" Bayonet (Sword Bayonet)
The sword bayonet continued service in WWII especially among ANZAC forces who retained the SMLE rather than adopting No. 4 Enfield Rifle. While intimidating and impressive to look at, the blade was heavy and for some people this made it more difficult to sight the rifle when the bayonet was fixed. The bayonet dated from before WWI (1907) and remained relatively unchanged being manufactured by numerous companies in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth. The Indian Army produced a shorten version of the bayonet for use in their Army.
Sword Bayonet with 1907 pattern frog and scabbard
Overall length 21.75 inches (55.25 cm)
Blade Length 17 inches (43.2 cm)
No.4 Mk.1 Socket Bayonet (Spike Bayonet)
Recognizing some of the disadvantages of the longer sword bayonet, the British Army devised a light weight socket bayonet for use with the No. 4 Enfield rifle. While lighter the socket or spike bayonet lacked a handle and was virtually useless for anything other than a bayonet.
Overall length: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
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