Collecting The F-S Knife

A Comprehensive Guide To Collecting The Original World War Two Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife

By

Roy Shadbolt

Introduction

Whether embarking on a new collection or expanding an existing one, the journey can be both exciting and daunting in equal amounts.  In this day and age when access to information is so readily available one can get easily overwhelmed and sometimes derailed by material that can be misleading and/or inaccurate.  When I first began collecting some decades ago there was a distinct shortage of information on the F-S Knife and some of what was available also fell short in regards depth and accuracy, resulting in a noticeable void, something I was resolved to address.  It was experiences such as these that motivated me to start keeping records and start my own research in the hopes that a clearer, more complete picture would emerge and a much fuller understanding of these knives be possible.

I’m pleased to say that over many decades of study and research not only by myself but by other motivated enthusiasts, our understanding of this topic has grown exponentially.  And although our work can never be complete a more comprehensive understanding of the origin, development and history of the F-S is now available.

This material (along with similar projects) will present both honest and accurate details and  strive to offer an informed and sincere perspective of the wartime F-S Knife.  With access to a volume of original documentation and the experience of having examined thousands of examples, you can be assured that this guide will furnish you with the knowledge and confidence to explore this exciting area of collecting.  From those well known F-S Knives produced by Wilkinson Sword Co Ltd to the myriad of variations with their production anomalies, markings and nuances, the F-S is certainly a fascinating and vast area to study and explore.  

A Meeting Of Men

The origin of the F-S Fighting Knife can be traced back to November of 1940 when a meeting took place between four men; then-managing director of Wilkinsons’, John (‘Jack’) Wilkinson-Latham, the company’s head of the Experimental Department, Charlie Rose and importantly William Ewart Fairbairn along with Eric Anthony Sykes, both recently returned and retired from their civil police duties in Shanghai.  Fairbairn and Sykes had been commissioned as captains in the British Army and tasked with training the newly raised Commando and S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive) units in armed and unarmed combat techniques.  A ‘fighting’ knife was seen by both men as an essential tool for which no suitable design was currently in service, hence the meeting with Wilkinsons and its subsequent outcome, ‘The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife’.

The meeting must have been productive as within ten days the first order was received and  what we now refer to as the ‘First Pattern’ entered production.  This pattern continued mostly unchanged (minor production anomalies excepting) until August of 1941 when we see the Second Pattern introduced, referenced in Wilkinsons’ records as “to new design”.  

There is no evidence to suggest that any other makers were involved in any official F-S production until October of 1942 when at the request of the MoS (Ministry of Supply) Wilkinsons supplied technical drawings of the then current production (Second Pattern) F-S Fighting Knife along with its associated leather scabbard (which had also been slightly modified to a ‘new design’).  From this point on many other makers went on to manufacture the F-S and fulfill government contracts, presumably and at least initially to the general (Second Pattern) technical specifications supplied by Wilkinsons.  However at this point it is worth mentioning that despite Wilkinsons compliance with this request for technical specifications the F-S Fighting Knife was never an officially ‘sealed’ pattern and therefore was not constrained in any way by the rigid requirements to conform to such specifications.  The majority of items procured by the MoS would have a ‘sealed pattern’, a designation often applied to military uniforms or item of equipment, all subsequent production would have to confirm to the original sealed pattern, therefore maintaining uniformity.  In the case of the F-S there was no sealed pattern thus resulted in the plethora of variations and ‘patterns’ one sees today.

Evolution Of Manufacture

It is true to say that those original F-S Knives manufactured by Wilkinsons are at the forefront of most collector’s thoughts when embarking on or contemplating creating a collection.  However the F-S Knife continued to evolve beyond this one company and although the importance of Wilkinsons cannot be overstated, as far as collecting is concerned the variety of patterns and variations grew far beyond just this one company’s contribution.  As the war progressed and the need for this weapon grew on all continents and in all theaters of conflict, a multitude of patterns and variations by Wilkinsons as well as by other makers both domestic and foreign, large and small proliferated.

In Great Britain alone well in excess of two dozen knife manufacturers supplied F-S Knives to fulfill government contracts, ranging in quantities from as little as a few dozen to tens of thousands.  Such a large number of F-S manufacturers at least in part explains why today we find such a variety of F-S patterns and production differences.  In addition to fulfilling government contracts some of these suppliers (including Wilkinsons) along with others makers and military retailers also supplied the increasing commercial market with the F-S as well as knives similar if not of identical design.

Although some production details have survived, sadly much has been lost to the mists of time.  Surviving records from Wilkinsons are perhaps our best resource for studying the developmental and production history of the wartime F-S but of course this is specific to that company alone.  When studying other non-Wilkinson production, aside from elementary contract details such as production figures, dates, cost per unit, etc. (much of which is incomplete), very little is known about the knives themselves; which pattern or variations they may have been, what materials or finishes were applied, etc.  Such specific details in regards those knives produced most often have to be gleaned from surviving examples.  With few exceptions most of which have no identifying marking that would conclusively attribute such knives to a specific maker.  So these non-Wilkinson F-S Knives are mostly open to speculation as to origin.

Despite the obvious challenges in researching variations of the F-S, the collector can take heart knowing that at least as far as collecting is concerned there are indeed some truly wonderful and fascinating examples to seek out.  Some are well documented and relatively available, while others are excessively scarce and can take many years to track down.  However all add their own unique footnote to the wartime history of the iconic Commando Dagger, giving the enthusiastic collector the opportunity for a lifetime of exploration and discovery.

Identifying Patterns & Variations

It is worth remembering that the names for describing the F-S that are now commonplace within the F-S collecting community are for the most part those which have been created by collectors rather than terms that were commonplace during the initial wartime production period.  Original period documentation refers to these knives simply as ‘Fighting Knife’, ‘F-S’ or ‘F.S’ or some such other iteration.  Clearly these names were taken from the etching panel applied to those original (Wilkinson) knives i.e. ‘The F-S Fighting Knife’ with the ‘F’ and ’S’ referencing Fairbairn and Sykes who had been accredited as co-designers.  As the war progressed and the media of the day reported the dramatic successes of Commando units, such reports would often reference their unique knife.  Thus the term Commando Dagger became immortalized in the popular consciousness and has to a large extent remained ever since.  For some of those men (and women) who were trained and issued with the F-S the name Wilkie was also used, a reflection no doubt on those early knives which all carried the Wilkinson company logo.  This is still a term that is affectionately used by many collectors today, although understandably only when referring to knives made by that company.

None of these names however gave any clue as to the pattern or variation of F-S being discussed.  It was only with the advent of study and collecting in the post-war years that the terms we are familiar with today evolved, proliferated and became an accepted part of the F-S history.  Names like First, Second and Third Pattern are understandably reflective of those main ‘patterns’ that were produced by Wilkinsons (and in some cased by other companies with the exception of the First Pattern which was only produced by Wilkinsons).  Within those ‘patterns’ there are many sub-variations which have now been identified.  Aside from these key three patterns  there are now many related variations and unique versions of the F-S that have been categorized and accepted as stand alone F-S variations (not patterns) in their own right.

Some F-S Knife variations have attracted ‘interesting’ names over the years.  Some of these names have been, to be honest, a little flamboyant at best.  Often they are quite inaccurate and/or misleading, resulting in misunderstanding and confusion especially amongst the less experienced or novice collector.  Such names have circulated within the collecting community and have even appeared in print.  However these rather fanciful names do little to advance our knowledge or enhance our passion.  A singular example of such is worth sharing as an example.  

The nickel plated Second Pattern F-S (aka Type I) has attracted the name ‘officers’ (type or pattern), which may have been coined innocently or perhaps more likely to enhance any perceived value.  This however implies (quite incorrectly) that such knives were issued to or acquired exclusively by officers, which of course is complete nonsense.  This is bore out by the fact that the original First Pattern was only offered in a bright nickel plated finish, at the specific request of Fairbairn as he felt; “that a knife should be bright and highly polished …striking awe in the mind of the victim that a flashing knife gives”, an opinion he embraced throughout the war.  So such knives were and continued to be issued to all ranks without any specific consideration of finish type nor to whom they were being issued.  Therefore to call such knives having this nickel finish ‘officers patterns’ is utterly incorrect.  As such these are better and more correctly described as ‘Second Patterns Type I’ (all nickel), with the other finishes being categorized as; Type II (all blued) and Type III (blued hilt/polished blade).  This more correctly describes the general finish as it was applied to these knives.  For these reasons the names I have personally chosen to allocate to each specific variation are those I have used (along with close friends and fellow collectors) for many years, as I feel they are the most appropriate, accurate and descriptive and will more adequately aid in identifying such variations when discussing a particular version of the F-S or specific knife.

Building A Collection

More and more military history and knife enthusiasts are discovering the joys of creating a unique collection of F-S Knives.  Although the majority of prospective collectors tend to focus on the original wartime patterns, some also decide to focus on post-war or commemorative examples.  Although the latter two groups are beyond the scope of my focus here, they are most certainly an interesting and enjoyable area to study and collect, so may be worth your consideration.

One of the more oft-asked questions is regards the direction one should take when starting out.  My answer is often the same;  one should always follows one’s own interests and preferences.  After all, one only has to justify any collection to oneself.  

It may be that a particular variation speaks to you and you wish to create a grouping of that particular type or pattern.  This is often quite possible as there are of course sub-variations within a particular F-S style.  The Wooden Gripped, Ribbed & Beaded and Third Pattern are good examples of this but there are many others that one could choose from.  - With differences in blade configuration, production anomalies, markings and finish etc, there is more than enough to keep any collector busy.  Or perhaps you are drawn to a particular region or country?  In this regard those versions of the F-S produced in the US are an area of high interest by many a collector.  Such would also be true of India and Australia, too.  There is of course always the possibility that you enjoy variety and for such a collector there is certainly plenty to choose from as the above categories testify to.

There are few limits to an F-S area to pursue as a collecting experience.  I have known individuals who have focused exclusively on examples by Wilkinson or First Patterns, Second Patterns, Indian variations, the Australian Arms Stiletto and knives with history and provenance to name but a few.  Generally though I find most collectors just look to add whatever interesting example comes their way that for one reason or another catches their eye or fills a gap or need in their collection.  There really is no right or wrong way to collect the F-S, perhaps the only exception being that one should be cautious of fakes and fantasy knives.  That said, it would certainly be possible to create a specific collection focused solely on fake knives and as long as one pursued this with a clear understanding of what was being collected.  I for one would not find fault with that route if that was of specific interest to you.

Most collectors seem to start out with an understandable desire to put together a small group of original knives that can connect them in a very real way to the fascinating, colorful history of Commandos and Special Forces, who acquitted themselves so tremendously throughout the war.  To that end, a popular pursuit I see many collectors follow is aiming for the ‘big three’; a First, Second and Third Pattern all with the maker’s etching by Wilkinson (the latter example being the most difficult to find often to much surprise).  But with a little patience and if one is flexible on condition, such a pursuit is quite attainable.

The Relevance Of Condition

When collecting the F-S Knife there are a number of considerations to reflect upon when approaching the topic of condition, not least of which is age.  Original wartime examples of the F-S are now of significant age.  Along with any original wear or issues arising from poor storage, the condition of these knifes is often adversely affected.  Coupled with the fact that the F-S Knife was a ‘working’ soldiers knife and not a ceremonial ‘badge’ of office, it is completely understandable and reasonable that the vast majority of surviving examples will reflect their age and use.

The condition of any F-S Knife needs to be weighed against other considerations and should not be the sole motivation for any potential acquisition.  Condition does of course have a significant bearing on any F-S and any potential value attached to it.  However it is in one’s own interest to pause, take a step back and look at the broader picture to gain a clearer perspective of the whole knife, including its condition, authenticity, history and what place it may have in one’s collection.

I would like to share two experiences that happened to me that reflect opposing ends of the spectrum and may help illustrate this point more clearly.

Some years ago I recall hearing from one collector who wished to send me his recent F-S find.  I of course was more than happy to take a closer look as the photographs suggested an example in truly exceptional condition.  A short while later a parcel arrived and after carefully unpacking it I was presented with what appeared at first glance to be a wonderful-looking example of a knife that was purporting to be an original wartime F-S.  Or at least that is what the collector had purchased it as and believed it to be.  Once this was in my hands and my spectacles were  on, it became clear that all was not what it appeared.  The condition of this knife or more specifically, the blade, was just too good.  After closer examination it became clear that the etchings and how they were applied were not consistent with war-time examples, nor was the bluing to the blade, the hue being deeper and more vivid.  Concluding my examination I was able to determine that this wonderful ‘looking’ knife was, in fact, a composite piece; the marriage of an original wartime production hilt with a modern circa 1990’s Wilkinson F-S blade from one of their many commemorative knives.  The end result was a very handsome knife indeed and expertly constructed with all correct Wilkinson components.  However the components having been  assembled (not by Wilkinsons) half a century apart!

Another interesting story, with a happier ending occurred when I awoke to an email one day from a gentleman here in the US.  He wanted some assistance with correctly identifying an F-S in his possession.  After a short email exchange which included a few attached photographs it was clear I had both good and bad news for him.  The good news was that he had a rather rare and desirable J. Clarke & Son Second Pattern, all original and it appeared unused.  The bad news?  Well clearly this had been kept in a damp environment as it had a light coat of corrosion over the entire knife, ouch!  A few more emails went back and forth and I must confess this rare F-S grew on me as I started to gain an understanding of how it came into his possession and its remarkable survival story.  The owner was a construction worker and while demolishing a house had found the F-S tucked into the eves of a roof.  With this new information I realized that this knife could easily have been lost forever - what a great find!

So what can we learn from those two stories?  Perhaps the most important thing is look at the big picture.  Learn what you can about the knife through its history or by carefully studying every detail of the knife itself.  Out of the two examples just shared the one that looked to be in really wonderful condition actually had little to no value - historically or monetarily - simply because it was not original and had been ‘assembled’ from parts (and possibly with the explicit intention to deceive).  However the second example was completely correct in every respect.  Despite its imperfect condition it was a rare knife that had an honest history of loss and re-discovery.  It most certainly had a solid value and it was not long before I was able to find it an important and appreciated place with an F-S enthusiasts collection.

There are many reasons why an F-S Knife should be considered to be part of any collection.  An example with some condition issues should not be discounted out of hand but should instead be looked at carefully, thoughtfully and with an eye for all the facts before making a final decision.  

One of those factors that can sometimes override any condition issues is history or ‘provenance’, the subject of our next chapter.

Stories, History Or Provenance

 It is a sad reality that the overwhelming majority of F-S Knives encountered today have long lost much of their historical context, leaving us with just the knife and our imagination of who carried it, where it saw service and what deeds of daring it may have had a hand in.  The oft-used phrase ‘if only it could talk’ is one that is never far from the lips of many F-S collectors.  

However once in a while and through no small miracle, an F-S Knife retains some of its history.  Such important historical pieces are always elevated to a place of greater significance, often finding their way to a more prominent place in our collection.  Knives with historical significance can come in many forms and present us with a tantalizing glimpse of their potential place in history or on very rare occasions be a veritable treasure trove of artifacts that collectively create ‘provenance’.  

Before I get carried away, as it is all to easy too do with such fascinating knives, let us look a little deeper into the topics of provenance, history and stories and what this means for today’s F-S collector.

Let us start with the least important of these terms … stories.  A story is often an anecdotal piece of information that has come along with or been attached to a knife.  Something along the lines of “I got this from my friend who said his dad won it in a card game with a Commando who used it on D-Day”.  Such stories may or may not be true but the fact of the matter is they can rarely be proved and as such, should not add any value to the knife.  The old adage amongst knife collectors ‘buy the knife not the story’ applies here.  If from your perspective such a story adds interest to the knife and enhances your ownership and enjoyment of it, then all well and good.  However when buying or selling, do not add any monetary value to the knife as ‘stories’ will always be perceived and understood as informal or casual.  With few exceptions stories are almost always completely unprovable, hence do not add any tangible merit to the knife.

Moving up the list from a knife with a ‘story’ are those that have a little history.  Such knives may or may not be able to offer solid proof of this but often come with additional details or items that appear to convey some history that make reasonable and logical sense.  For example a knife that comes with some initials or an un-researched name attached to it (or etched on the blade), or perhaps comes with an unnamed period photograph, piece of insignia or dog tags.  Knives like this offer a tantalizing window into who ‘possibly’ owned them or what unit the owner served in.  But any additional pieces need to add up and make logical sense, not be simply an assemblance of unrelated items collected together.  In such cases it is possible that a knife along with its related details and/or items can add some value, however each knife needs to be assessed on its own merit and one needs to look at such items and details with a clear head and not get carried away by the excitement of a perceived history.  There is the possibility that in time and with research, such scant details can develop into solid provenance.  But remember that a perceived history, until proved, is still just a story.

True provenance attributed to an F-S Knife is surely one of the most exciting elements to collecting.  As this word implies we are referring to ‘proof’, proof that the story, history, details and associated items all belonged to a specific and identified individual.  All factors support one another in conveying the factual history of what is presented before us.  For me the key to this is documentation.  Such knives with solid provenance can come in many forms but ideally we would hope to see a grouping of items that together convey a connection to one individual.  For example the knife, original military documentation, a wartime photograph, original items of insignia and possibly further associated items or supporting documentation all adding weight to proving provenance.  Such discoveries are the exception but not impossible as I have over the years been fortunate enough to acquire such groups that included all of the above items and often much more.  On exceptionally rare occasions these groupings can also come directly from the original owner or their dependents (the latter being more likely) which only goes to enhance the provenance further.

F-S Knives that have a solid provenance will always attract a significant and enhanced valuation and this is to be expected.  This is especially true if the original owner of the knife in question served in a Special Forces unit as such a connection can open up a whole new field of research and history to explore.  

One must not mistake a story with history, or some history with provenance.  A clear understanding of each of these three terms and their implications on an F-S Fighting Knife will always serve you well.  All of these concepts have their place in collecting the F-S.  Whether a buyer, seller or more importantly a collector, understanding these concepts and not allowing them to bleed into one another (without good reason) brings a more thorough understanding of how they apply (or not) to a specific knife.  When understood and used properly, these important distinctions can bring clarity and enhance enjoyment within your collecting experience.

A Few Comments To Leave You With

 As with collecting in general there are many directions you can go in and a plethora of areas to explore.  For me this is what makes collecting so exciting.  If you wish to just jump in and start building your F-S collection, then that is wonderful!  Or you may wish to study, do a little research and take a more focused approach.  I don’t think it really maters what your motivation or direction is as both of these approaches can and often do change with time and experience.  The most important thing is that whatever approach you choose it is the one that you feel comfortable with that matters.  I have in the past focused on every aspect of F-S collecting from Wilkinson examples, historically attributed knives, rare variations and even late-war Third Patterns (the latter of which can be surprisingly fascinating in their own right).  If you have no specific direction in mind, then don’t worry.  Just acquire knives that for one reason or another speak to you personally.  That can be very exciting in itself as you never know what is around the corner or what avenue of collecting you will be taken down.

Whatever direction your collecting may take, the important thing is that you enjoy it and the knives you acquire are those that bring you the most fulfillment.  After all at the end of the day, it is only you that has to be content with your collection.  If I have one golden rule to share it would be to buy the knife that you like, the one that speaks to you and do your very best to not let it get away.  With all honesty decades later I can still tell you all the details of those knives I let slip away.  But I have long forgotten how much a paid for those favorites I grabbed.  

In any event, always remember that I am here to help with any and all questions, so whether a novice or experienced collector, if you have something to ask or share, I would be pleased to hear from you.

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