Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, 2nd pattern, presentation type, 1941-1945 (c)

Presented to Brigadier R Craig, No 2 Commando.

Manufactured by Wilkinson Sword Company Limited, 1941-1945 (c).

The double-edged Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife was developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes during the 1930s and adopted by British Special Forces during the World War Two (1939-1945). Its long blade was designed to penetrate the body after passing through up to three inches of clothing.

The changes that constituted the development of the second pattern of Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife were primarily the result of the requirement to fulfil demand. Production needed to be accelerated and so alterations were made to the ricasso and crossguard. The changes resulted in a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing form. By late 1942 other manufacturers were provided with the design plans and Wilkinson ceased to be the sole manufacturer of the knife. Even with the 2nd pattern design parameters in place variants appeared.