French, WW2 – c.1940s, Fairbairn-Sykes Style Resistance / SOE Clandestine Fighting Knife with Leather Sheath

*French, WW2 – c.1940s, Fairbairn-Sykes Style Resistance / SOE Clandestine Fighting Knife with Leather Sheath*

An unusual mid-20th century clandestine-style fighting knife strongly influenced by the famous Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger pattern, retaining its original brown leather sheath. The knife features a narrow double-edged spear-point blade of hexagonal section with a distinct flat central spine, changing to a rectangular profile at the ricasso, fitted with a distinctive circular steel disc crossguard and a finely ringed steel grip terminating in a rounded pommel cap. The entire piece remains completely sterile and unmarked, with no visible maker’s marks, military inspection stamps, or ownership markings present.

Unlike standard British Fairbairn-Sykes military issue daggers, this example displays several highly individual workshop-manufactured characteristics. The perfectly circular flat guard is particularly notable, differing substantially from the conventional oval or S-shaped guards of standard wartime British production. The compact proportions and slim blade profile strongly suggest manufacture for concealed carry or irregular clandestine use rather than conventional battlefield utility.

The accompanying leather sheath is equally interesting, constructed from brown textured leather with a distinct criss-cross linear surface pattern, secured throughout with copper rivets and heavy stitching. The sheath retains its original belt loop slots and leather retaining strap with brass stud fastening. Research by specialist collectors and authors including Olof Janson has associated similarly patterned sheaths with certain French Resistance and SOE-linked clandestine dagger variants, challenging earlier assumptions that many covert-operational knives were issued without dedicated scabbards.

While definitive wartime attribution is naturally difficult due to the intentionally anonymous nature of clandestine equipment, the combined characteristics of the dagger and sheath strongly support identification as a wartime or immediate post-war SOE / French Resistance-style covert fighting knife or workshop variant.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 15 cm; blade width: 1.1 cm; overall length: 27 cm.

History Note:
During the Second World War, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) supplied agents and resistance groups throughout occupied Europe with a wide variety of covert weapons, many manufactured outside normal military procurement channels. Alongside official Fairbairn-Sykes production, numerous smaller workshop-made fighting knives appeared in occupied France and Britain, often featuring simplified or locally adapted construction intended for concealment, deniability, and clandestine operations. Such knives remain difficult to categorically classify due to their intentionally unmarked manufacture and the fragmented nature of wartime resistance production.

*Condition*
The dagger retains a dark aged steel finish throughout with scattered oxidation, surface corrosion, age-related pitting, and light sharpening wear visible to the blade. The grip and guard display consistent age patina and scattered rust spotting. The leather sheath remains structurally sound with good overall form, retaining its copper rivets, stitching, belt slots, and fastening strap, though showing expected age wear, surface marks, and minor edge wear throughout. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.