The Wilkinson Sword Second Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife
A Comprehensive Guide To The Original Wilkinson ‘Second Pattern’ Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife
By
Roy Shadbolt
Introduction
An exceptional and important early example of the Wilkinson Type I Second Pattern F-S Knife. This example was the knife that immediately followed and replaced the earlier First Pattern design. The original scabbard with this knife is very telling as it retains two small slits underneath the new elastic retaining strap, indicating that the frog was originally destined for First Pattern scabbard production but as we see here, nothing went to waist during war-torn Britain, as it was repurposed for this new ‘Second’ Pattern design.
We see the first appearance of the Second Pattern F-S Knife in the Wilkinson order books on August 12th, 1941, this was less than nine months after the commencement of initial production of the F-S Knife in November of 1940. An annotation written in both the order and contract books states “to new design”, clearly this was reflecting the changes made to the original (First Pattern) design and signaled the transition from that initial concept to the new, slightly simpler and, this more mass-production friendly pattern, this being the knife we now refer to as the ‘Second’ Pattern. This ‘new design’ ushered in a knife that would be made in the hundreds of thousands, with three ‘types’ of finishes and a bewildering array of options and production anomalies, some of which will be discussed later.
What follows is by no means an exhaustive study of the full narrative in respect of the Second Pattern, that would require a book in itself and is far beyond the scope of this introductory article. However it is my intention to highlight perhaps the more obvious and important aspects that can be encountered and perhaps also to highlight some more obscure, elusive and/or previously unnoticed details that I hope will be of interest and possibly inspire you to be more observant in the study of knives in your own collection.
The original (First Pattern) F-S design was exclusive to Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd and only ever manufactured by that company. This however would not be the case with the newly updated Second Pattern design, as this new simpler design ushered in an era where other manufacturers would be invited and contracted to produce not only this new pattern but subsequent patterns. This would inevitably open the door for variations of the F-S to be produced by a myriad of makers, both domestic and foreign, eventually leading to knives that would represent a companies own interpretations of the original F-S concept.
At the request of the Ministry of Supply, this design (along with the Third Pattern that would follow) would go on to be made by other manufacturers as Wilkinson was asked and supplied as of 2nd October 1942 a full set of technical drawings presumably to be forwarded to other companies, so other avenues of supply could be sought.
This extract from the Wilkinson Government Contracts ledger clearly shows the two order 1672/1482 for 500 FS knives and 5 gross FS knives respectively dated 12th August 1941 with a note (in parentheses) “to new design”. It would seem only logical that this is an indication of the design change and transition from what we now refer to as First to Second (patterns). This is the best evidence to date of the cessation of First Pattern production and the commencement of manufacture of Second Pattern F-S Fighting Knives.
Other manufacturers aside, the ‘Wilkinson’ Second Pattern can have many variations and production anomalies. From finish to etchings and even slight differences in grip profile, pommel and pommel nut can be found. Although such production anomalies certainly make for interesting areas of study, discussion and add to our enjoyment of collecting and ownership, it’s important to concede that these were not different sub patterns per-se but merely represent different options offered/supplied or anomalies within the manufacturing process.
There were however initially three distinct and important design changes to the knife (we will discuss the scabbard changes separately) that distinguished the new Second Pattern knife from the original (First Pattern) design and gave us the now classic Second Pattern F-S. The two most recognizable changes were of course the new blade and guard profile but less obvious was the internal changes to the brass knurled grip where a small void was created internally, no doubt to save on material as brass was at that time designated a strategic material and strictly controlled.
The technical drawings requested by the Ministry of Supply and supplied by Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd, as of the 2nd October 1942 (showing knife one on this image).
The blade on the First Pattern as you will remember was hand-ground. During this process a ricasso or square section was left at the area where the blade enters the hilt. This is a very skilled and time-consuming process. The Second Pattern blades continued to be hand-ground but this time the ricasso was dispensed with, the angle of the grind running full length up to the shoulder of the blade. Due to the thickness of the hand-ground blades a slight flattening to the central rib was required to allow the tang to fully fit through the crossguard, resulting in a small triangular, flattened area where the ricasso had once been. The crossguard was still the same dimensions as the standard First Pattern but this time the process of forming the two-inch guard into a the distinct ‘S’ shape was simply dropped, leaving the guard completely flat. Both of these changes were not overly significant and were not in any way detrimental to the usefulness of the knife but taken together must have represented an important savings in production time.
The last and not so obvious change was to the brass grip portion of the hilt. As mentioned previously, the initial brass grip was turned from sold brass stock. Brass being a strategic material and therefore strictly controlled, it no doubt seemed prudent to conserve whatever material and wherever possible. With this in mind it was decided to cast the brass grips. This process gave more control over the amount of brass actually used for each unit and enabled modest savings to be made. At the thickest part of the grip (the palm swell) a small internal void was introduced as part of the new design. This was relatively insignificant in regards to the weight and did not appear to negatively impact the balance of the knife. The slight loss of steel from the lack of a square ricasso helped to offset this and retain the normal balance. This did allow for less brass to be used per unit, not much of a savings one might think, but when multiplied by tens of thousands of knives I’m sure it was felt an appropriate and prudent decision. When one considered the dire predicament Britain was in following Dunkirk and the loss of so much material and equipment coupled with the risks to supply Britain with raw materials run by so many Merchant sailer crossing the Atlantic. Changing or modifying the grip as we shall see is a theme often revisited throughout the war-time development of the F-S knife.
A comparison image of the two most prominent changes to the design from the First Pattern (left) with it’s tablet style ricasso and wavy ‘s’ shaped crossguard to the Second Pattern (right) with it’s lack of a square ricasso and small triangle ground area to the rib and straight crossguard.
It’s wroth noting that the change to the grip, from solid machined brass stock to cast brass, may actually have occurred during First Pattern production and incorporated into those knives. We know that this change was incorporated into the newly designed secondary pattern as the details are clearly laid out in the technical drawings created by Wilkinson, however it is feasible that such changes were adopted during the preceding pattern’s production but due to the hidden nature of this change and of course the understandable circumstance that no one would be willing to dismantle their original First Pattern to prove or disprove such theory, it’s unlikely we will ever be able to address this question conclusively.
The Wilkinson 1943 Experimental ‘two-part’ grip atop the memorandum requesting it’s construction. For further details please see the dedicated article on this topic.
The Wilkinson Second Pattern F-S Knife is an exciting area to study and collect, not least of which is due to the plethora of variations one can (if lucky) encounter. When one included the popularity of having a personal etched banner applied to the blade, the potential for a Second Pattern collection with not one example identical is enormous. Due to such potential in variety both in finish, anomalies and etchings etc, it can often be challenging in one’s attempts at describing a particular knife when discussing the topic. For this reason I have sub-divided the Second Pattern in three sub categories based solely on their finish. The ‘Type I’ Second Pattern are those knives that are all over plated/polished, in other words retaining the same bright finish as the original First Pattern. The ‘Type II’ Second Pattern is quite the opposite, being those knives with an all over blacked/blued subdued finish (a rare knife). The last and most often encountered is the ‘Type III’ Second Pattern, these have a blued hilt and polished blade.
Before we leave this introduction it’s worth commenting briefly on the Wilkinson 1943 Experimental Second Pattern F-S. As is so often the case in manufacturing, things can and sometimes do go wrong. In January of 1943 issues were discovered with the brass grip castings and in order to solve the problem it was decided to try a two-part grip. One sample knife was made up to try out the idea (see Knife World May 2010 “ A 1943 Wilkinson Experimental Fairbairn Sykes Knife”). The issues, however, must have been promptly resolved. Aside from the surviving knife and memo, no other evidence has been found to show that the project went beyond this one experimental knife. I won’t elaborate more on this top here as it has it’s own dedicated article.
The Three Basic ‘Types’ Of Second Pattern F-S
The classic Wilkinson Second Pattern F-S is in many ways a collector’s dream. Throughout its production the basic design never changed but one can encounter many subtle and not so subtle differences not only in etchings, production anomalies but significantly in the overall finish. It would be a reach to suggest that any of these differences were some kind of official sub-variation which is certainly not the case. With that in mind it is true to say that it can easily get somewhat bewildering and confusing when attempting to discuss or describe the many Second Patterns that one can encounter. This can be made significantly easier by sub-dividing the Wilkinson Second Pattern into three ‘types’ based on the three distinct finishes encountered. In this sway one can more easily narrow the field in identifying a particular knife under discussion. The following will identify and describe the ‘three’ distinct Types based around their overall finish. In this way an individual knife can immediately be identified through the
Wilkinson Type I (Second Pattern) F-S. Main features being a highly polished blade with nickel plating to the entire hilt. The scabbard also having a plated chape.
Wilkinson Type II (Second Pattern) F-S. Main features being a blued finish to the whole knife. Note that etchings can be applied either after or before main finish is applied resulting in a strongly visible etching panel or subdued as in the example shown.
Wilkinson Type III (Second Pattern) F-S. Main features being a standard polished blade with blued hilt.
The Wilkinson ‘Type I’ Second Pattern F-S Knife
The earliest and likely most desirable of all Second Patterns, this initial Type I immediately followed the First Pattern production and retained the same all over bright finish of the original design. The grips can be either turned from solid stock as per First Pattern or cast. Aside from the straight crossguard and lack of a ricasso these knives can be in their construction and quality almost identical to the First Pattern it replaced. The correct scabbard for these knives should have the ‘new’ elastic retaining strap but still retain the round-bottomed, nickel-plated chape. Both etching panels are of the standard form, however some rare knives have been noted with personal etching panels also applied to the blade.
A classic Type I Second Pattern with it’s correct scabbard. Of particular interest is that just under the new elastic retaining strap are two small slits, indicating that the frog at least was originally cut for the First Pattern scabbard, a sign perhaps that this was an early knife produced during shortly after the change over in design and when component parts were being used up.
With order number 1672 being completed and delivered on 12th August, 1941, the ‘New Design’ and what we now refer to as the Second Pattern Type I was introduced. It would now be the new standard pattern for the F-S Fighting Knife. This initial New Design was in all ways a very fine knife and a fitting replacement to its predecessor - the First Pattern. Much of the basic design had not changed but some minor time/cost cutting developments had been implemented.
Initially there were only five changes to the earlier pattern, two to the scabbard and three to the knife itself (two more changes came in with the Type II scabbard that will be covered in that section). The new knife retained the highly polished blade and nickel finish to the hilt (guard, grip and nut) that were key features of its predecessor and it is this that give the Type I its distinction over other Second Pattern knives that would follow.
By today’s military standards, anything with a bright, reflective or shiny finish would be frowned upon but times and knowledge were very different back in the early stages of the Second World War and Fairbairn was quite adamant that the ‘glint’ of a blade would strike fear into the enemy. Those of you with any military training will be reeling at those rudimentary lessons on camouflage where the term ‘shape, shadow & shine’ were so strictly drumming into ones consciousness!
The splendid Type I featured adjacent is of particular interest as there are two small ‘slits’ that can be seen just under the elastic retaining strap on the frog portion of the scabbard. This is by no means normal and to date the only such example known to exist. These two small cuts are actually intended to affix the ‘snap-fastener’ on the First Pattern scabbard. It would seem obvious then that at least the main body of the frog was left over from First Pattern production and utilized here to save waste. Consequently, we can reasonably assume that the scabbard (and by association the knife) possibly represents a very early example of this Type of knife and perhaps was even in the first batch of Second Patterns to be produced.
Equally interesting is this next Type I that features an ‘S’ shaped crossguard as per First Pattern production. This example is quite possibly unique as no other Type I with this anomaly has thus far been noted and potentially represents a ‘transitional’ knife. It would seem reasonably that there would be likely only two reasons that this particular knife was fitted with such a guards. Firstly, that it was just an oversight or mistake on behalf of the individual who assembled the knife. But perhaps more likely is that during the early stages of transitioned over to the new design, there were simply some parts left over from ‘old stock’ that needed to be used up to prevent any waste. When one looks at the previously discussed knife with the earlier frog, this would seem to add weight to this hypothesis.
One of the most interesting and unique example of a Type I yet to be encountered. This ‘transitional’ knife is possibly unique as no other example has thus far been seen. It is correct (for a Type I) in every respect, however look a little closer and one will see that it has been fitted not with the new designed straight crossguard but one of the earlier ‘S’ shaped First Pattern guards. This was almost certainly either a simple oversight on the part of the assembler or a means of using up older parts so as to prevent any waste. Whatever the reasoning it has left us with a wonderful and important example.
These two very rare and unique examples if nothing else, give us a glimpse into the construction process of that time. There was of course a war on and when one considers the immense presser, time constraints and restrictions/limitations on rare materials, it would seem only reasonable and very prudent that such accommodations would be acceptable. There is further documentary evidence to support such conclusion as a memorandum dated 20th October 1943 to the Ministry of Supply referee to issues with cast grip and offers solutions to allow those faulty parts to be utilized. A sure sign that every effort was continually be made to not waste component parts when more prudent alternatives were available.
The main visual change to the knife was regarding how the blade was ground. The original blade was carefully hand-ground to incorporate a ricasso, a square ‘tablet’ section at the broadest part of the blade where it meets the guard. This style of grind required that a portion of the blade nearest the crossguard be left unground. Dispensing with this ‘ricasso’ style of grind and of course the square ricasso itself. The blade now showed a continuous triangular grind running its full length. Along with the now straight crossbar and small triangular or ‘V’ grind to fascinate assembly through the crossguard, this would constitute the changes that would distinguish not only this Type one but the following two Types that would follow it.
As mentioned, there were only initially five changes made to the Second Pattern design, two of these were introduced on the scabbard. The original ‘snap-fastener’ has been replaced by an elastic retraining strap, 1/2” wide and approximately in the same location. To facilitate correct attachment of the elastic and strengthen the frog, there is now the addition of an extra supporting piece of leather on the back. These two changes are the only modification we see at this time, in all other respects the scabbard remained the same as it’s predecessor.
The Wilkinson ‘Type II’ Second Pattern F-S Knife
This example of a Wilkinson Type II Second Pattern is in wonderful original condition and complete with it's correct scabbard. Note that in this case the etching panel has been applied after the bluing of the blade resulting in a vivid and clear representation of the etching. With kind permission of the Cornelius Zandbergen Collection.
The all blued Second Pattern F-S is likely one of the rarest of all the Second Pattern knives. Blued/blackened throughout, this is certainly a very modern fighting knife in concept, having no reflective surface. Somewhat surprisingly these knives still have etchings applied, although of interest is that etchings can be encounters with either etching panels applied before ‘or’ after the blades bluing process. This results in some quite distinctive versions of the Type II, in that those with the etching applied after the bluing process present very clear and vivid etching panes, in contact the few examples that have been noted wit the etchings applies ‘before’ the bluing process display a very muted etching panels as the bluing process is laid ‘over’ the etching. It’s not known why this happened and likely there was not specific decision being this. It does leave us with some very interesting and different examples to look for.
Second Pattern Wilkinson etched F-S Fighting Knives with an all-over dark finish are extremely rare indeed. As well as the five changes previously mentioned (see Second Pattern Type I), there were three other changes that came with the production of the Second Pattern Type II. The first and most obvious is the change to the finish. No longer do we see the all-over bright finish that was characteristic of the First Pattern and the early Type I Second Pattern, but now an all-over subdued blued finish has been utilized. From Wilkinson’s internal documentation is appears that the date this “Black Finish” was first introduced for a contract dated 6th February 1942. Needless to say this all-over black/blued finish was in stark contrast to the bright nickel finish it replaced and would for the most part be the ‘colour’ of things to come.
This splendid Type II Second Pattern has had the etching panels applied ‘before’ the blades bluing process. The inevitable result if a wonderful subdued effect. Also note the scarce ‘long’ Wilkinson etching panel.
Aside from the change to the finish, two other changes were introduced with this Type, but these specifically affected the scabbard. As for the Type I, the elastic retaining strap (along with the rear support to the frog) were now standard. The chape (the protective metal device at the bottom of the sheath) now had two changes implemented to it’s design and construction. The first and most obvious was that it also incorporated the new dark finish and was no longer nice plated. The second change was not so obvious. The original design utilized on First Pattern and Type I Second Patten scabbards was that the chape was thoughtfully shaped and terminated in a gentle half-round form. When viewed closely one can really see the quality of this work. No doubt this was just too time consuming, so was changed to just a simplistic flat bottom which would be the standard from now on.
It is worth pointing out that some examples of the Type II have been found with sheath chapes that still feature the easier rounded bottom but have the new dark finish applied. Just like the comments in the Type I section regarding the use of older parts, it seems clear that the is also what was going on here. In that older rounded bottom chapes were still available and so as to not waste anything, they were simply darkened and fitted to the newly contracted Type II knife scabbards.
The Wilkinson ‘Type III’ Second Pattern F-S Knife
This close-up of the F-S etching panel on this Type III clearly demonstrates how the dark etching panel so clearly stands out agains the polished blade.
Out of the three basic Types of Wilkinson Second Pattern one is likely to encounter, the Type III version with the blued hilt and polished blade is the most often seen. Aside from the blade being polished there are no significant changes to the standard design. By the numbers that are found this Type III version was clearly the most prolifically produced, although finding one in nice, original condition can still be somewhat of a challenge. The contrast of a blued hilt and polished blade makes for a very appealing knife indeed. This is enhanced by the etching which clearly stand out in relief against the polished blade. Of interest too is that many personally etched banners can also be found on this type, making for an interesting study in it’s own right. Although it’s true to say that all the previous Types can also be found with banners etchings, although more scarcely.
From a developmental point of view the Type III Second Pattern had no significant changes to the design. However from a collectors point of view, this can be one of the most interesting knives to study due to the many differences in etching and also (perhaps more so than previous versions) the subtle differences that can be seen, especially in blade size and profile. Coupled with the many production anomalies, the Type III can be a study all by itself.
Blade etchings are one of the real joys in collecting the Wilkinson F-S Knife, this is especially true of the Type III, as the variations in design and shear quantity makes
As previously mentioned, aside from the standard etching this Type III knife is noted for the high quantity (relatively speaking) of examples that can be found with personal etched panels or banners on the blade. Below are just a few examples. Of course the personal details are unique but also note the difference in style of banner that can be found. For more details on the etching process please see The Etched Blade in the main navigation bar and for more details regarding personal etching again look to the main navigation bar for The Etched F-S Register.
Condition & Provenance
A very well used but historically important Wilkinson Second Pattern F-S identified to Private J. Rodway.
As with all collecting we often look for knives in as best condition as possible, however in many cases there are exceptions to the rule. First, it is important to recognize the difference between a knife that has seen good, honest wear and has been used in the way it was intended and a knife that has been abused or altered in such a way that brings into question its authenticity. Another important consideration is to bear in mind is any history or provenance related to a knife. This is one area where I believe the condition of a knife plays less of a role. If one finds a knife that can be positively attributed to an individual soldier and perhaps comes with supporting evidence like original period documentation, etc., this, then, is an historic find indeed and the fact that the knife is well-used is of less importance. This topic is of such importance that I have written a dedicated article to address the specific details around “Stories, History Or Provenance (Knives Magazine July 2019). An updated article will soon be loaded up on this website, so please check back.
Blade Etchings
Although the so-called ‘Masonic’ etching panel was used by Wilkinson later in the way (and beyond) for presentation knives, it’s origin as it related to the F-S was for a small special order of knives commissioned by non other than Major William Ewart Fairbairn himself. These knife (unlike later examples) were of the Type I variety, the example shown here is one of only two examples known to have survived.
It is true to say that all three patterns of Wilkinson F-S are normally found with blades that carry acid-etched panels (later MoS contract knives accepting). However for pure variety the Second Pattern is unsurpassed. As well as the standard F-S etching, there are variations on the Wilkinson trade logo etched panel and countless unique personal scroll or banner etchings. This is a fascinating and prolific area of collecting in its own right. For a more comprehensive look at the etching process and Wilkinson’s etched knives throughout their history up to and including F-S Knife production, please refer to the dedicated article ‘The Etched Blade’.
The ‘F-S’ etching panel stayed constant throughout the F-S knifes’ production, although due to different etching blocks in use very minor details can be found comparing one panel to another, this can also be said of the Wilkinson trade logo panel as well. However and unlike the F-S panel, there are also distinct variations of the Wilkinson trade logo etching to be found, standard (or short) , long & Masonic ( or extra long) to name the most common (‘common’ being relative in this context).
The ‘F-S (Fairbairn Sykes) and ‘W-S’ (Wilkinson Sword) etching then are the standard pair of etching panels to be found on all patterns of this knife and remain present even when other etching panels are applied as an ‘extra’. Although and as with everything there are exceptions. On rare occasions a knife can be found with just one of those two standard etchings, this is almost certainly not by design and likely represents little more than an oversight or error on the part of the craftsman applying etchings that day.
This incredible Wilkinson Type III Second Pattern F-S is the most elaborately etched example known. As well as the familiar W-S & F-S etchings it has full foliate coverage on both sides of the blade and includes (shown inset) a scrolled banner with details to ‘J. D. Richardson. R.A.A.F.’
When a serviceman visited Wilkinson’s Pall Mall showroom to purchase an F-S Knife, for a modest fee it was possible to order the knife with one of a number of etching panels (some block, some scroll) to have ones own personal details etched within. Such knives are not uncommon and represent a wonderful and important area to study and collect, however examples that represent more than just the standard banner (as shown) are known but exceptionally rare. Add to this, any F-S with provenance to a member of any of the Australian Armed Services would, in it’s own right, be a very scarce F-S, so this knife with it’s attribution to J.D. Richardson (Royal Australian Air Force) combined with it’s full length etched coverage is by definition, truly extraordinary.
Aside from the two standard etching panels (F-S & W-S) already discussed, many knives can be found with unique ‘personal’ etchings also included alongside and as well as the standard panels. This makes for an incredibly exciting and wonderful area of study and collecting. For Servicemen visiting the Wilkinson Pall Mall showroom in person to purchase an F-S Knife, one could special order an extra etching to be applied to the blade. This would normally take the form of one of the many ‘scrolls’ or ‘banners’ that Wilkinson offered, a blank area within would allow a purchaser to have something unique and personal applied within. Such personalized etching would contain a name, initials, service number, date or unit. Almost anything was permitted as long as it was able to be fitted within the allocated space of the scroll or banner. Although occasionally the sales person would get carried away while attempting to accommodate an enthusiastic customer as an internal Wilkinson memorandum explicitly requested “that the wording fits the attached scroll panels”
Production Anomalies
Since its inception in August of 1941, the basic Second Pattern F-S remained constant in it’s design but this does not mean that every single knife or scabbard is identical...far from it. In fact, there are so many subtle and not-so-subtle differences that the Second Pattern F-S Knife can be a study in its own right. From different finishes and etchings to production anomalies both in the knives and scabbards, a collector could easily be kept busy for a lifetime.
Button Pommel Grips
The so-called ‘button pommel’ grip are distinct by having more of a taper towards the pommel, the result being that the pommel itself has a less bulbous profile and more of a ‘button’ form.
The so-called Button Pommel refers to a grip that is of slightly different profile to what one normally sees on Second Pattern knives. Thus far it has only been observed on Type III knives (if my memory is correct). The profile of the grip is is slightly more narrow or taper towards the pommel resulting in a more ‘button’ shaped and less bulbous pommel, hence the name. There is no obvious reason for this and I cannot conceive of any benefit be it in material or time saved. Therefor my only conclusion (coming from a manufacturing background myself) is that another supplied or cast grips was sourced at one time, a small quantity supplied but due to perhaps quality and/or cost, no more orders were placed. The delivered grips were subsequently used the result being that we now have a few examples surviving to intrigue us. This type of practice is commonplace within the manufacturing industry when outsourcing components, so it would seem a logical conclusion in respect of the Button Pommel grip.
Blind ‘Spigot’ Pommel Nuts
The Blind or Spigot pommel nut is a small but interesting production anomaly one rarely sees. Like the Button Pommel discussed above only a very few examples have be observed but online the Button Pommel, the Spigot pommel nut potentially gives us more insight into Wilkinson’s ongoing attempts to streamline production.
The tried and trusted method of assembly was to tighten down the pommel nut and then cut the excess protruding tang off and either peen or file the remaining tang to present a properly finished pommel. However as the name suggests the ‘blind’ pommel nut is drilled and taped only part way, so presuming the tang has previously been cut to the correct length, one only needs to tighten down the nut and no further finishing is needed. In theory this would seem to eliminate steps, thus saving time, so a good idea and something worthy of trying. However it would seem that as only a few examples are known this ‘improvement’ didn’t produce the results initially hoped for. Perhaps the cutting of the tang to an exact measurement was do challenging or the drilling/taping of the blind nut was just to awkward or the savings were just not sufficient enough, all speculation of course but reasonable assumptions. Nevertheless, it’s an indication of Wilkinson’s ongoing efforts to improve the manufacturing process during the stresses of wartime production
Some Final Thoughts
It’s true to say that most F-S collectors would aspire to get the ‘big three’, that is to say and etched example of the First, Second and Third Pattern, surprising the latter is likely the more difficult to acquire. But the volume of variations found within the Second Pattern alone provides us with an extraordinarily exciting area to study and collect. And when one considers this article has only focus on ‘etched Wilkinson’ knives and not even addressed their later MoS (un-etched) production knives and those of other manufactures such as John Clarke - the Second Pattern is as broad a topic as any collectors could hope for.
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