British, Post-War / Cold War Era, Third Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Fighting Knife with Leather Sheath

*British, Post-War / Cold War Era, Third Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Fighting Knife with Leather Sheath*

An original post-war Third Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes commando fighting knife retaining its ribbed blackened grip, oval crossguard, double-edged steel blade, and original brown leather sheath with blackened metal chape. The knife follows the classic Fairbairn-Sykes pattern developed for British Commandos during the Second World War and subsequently carried by British and Commonwealth forces throughout the Korean War and Cold War periods.

The dagger features a tapering double-edged steel blade of flattened diamond section mounted with a plain oval brass-coloured crossguard and cast ribbed blackened grip. The grip retains its original proud slotted brass pommel nut, characteristic of later Third Pattern production and indicating the knife has likely never been dismantled or reworked. No visible maker’s marks or inspection stamps are apparent, though the overall construction is consistent with Sheffield-made post-war production by firms such as William Rodgers or John Nowill & Sons.

The accompanying brown leather sheath retains its blackened metal chape together with the original elastic retaining tabs and belt loops.

Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 29.9 cm. Blade length: 17.5 cm.

History Note:
The Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife was designed in 1940 by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes for British Commandos and clandestine units. Intended primarily as a close-combat weapon, the knife became one of the most recognisable edged weapons of the Second World War. The simplified Third Pattern entered large-scale production from 1943 onwards and remained in British military service for decades after the war, seeing continued use during the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, and throughout the Cold War era.

*Condition*
Blade retains a generally clean appearance with scattered staining, light surface oxidation, and evidence of sharpening and service wear. Crossguard displays age patina and oxidation. Grip remains solid with handling wear and visible mould seam lines consistent with period manufacture. Proud slotted brass pommel nut intact and undisturbed. No visible maker markings noted. Leather sheath displays heavy age and service wear throughout, including a broken belt loop, tear to the rear leather section, and damage/losses to the elastic retaining tabs (“wings”). Surface cracking, scuffing, and edge wear present, though the sheath remains structurally intact overall with the metal chape still securely fitted. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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