Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife Mystery

Drachenblut

Drachenblut

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Hello All,

I know this is not exactly a "blade" forum, but I did some yard work once for an old British gentleman here in town. We ended up talking about guns and military. He asked if I would like a surprise (he's a bit of a joker) I said sure. He came out with this odd looking knife. At first glance, the blade looked to be from a Fairbairn-Sykes knife... but it has a buckhorn handle and a new crossguard. The gent said he was in Korea, and alluded to it was his during said conflict. He said I was welcome to it, and grinning said he was "Too Bloody Old" to have use for it. I was hoping you fellows could tell me something about it, does it have any value other than intrinsic for being "cool"? I should also mention it is still razor sharp on the point and sides.

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Cheers,
Drachenblut
 
The blade shares the same geometry as the F-S Fighting knife. He may have changed the furniture over time as are many older guys are wont to do. The logic being, the blade is good, the furniture is old, so change the furniture. Also, the F-S was issued in Special Forces Group during that time. Look for any proof marks and let us know.

Also, the instant he took the original furniture off, the blade lost most of its intrinsic value, unless it is attached to a momentous historic event in its current configuration, kind of like Patton's Colts, or Mac Arthur's pipe...
 
That handle looks like a typical Stag section as commonly fitted to table cutlery at one time.

Somewhere in my stuff I have a steel and a serving fork with similar.

Could have been fitted at any time in the history of the blade.

Any clues as to when it came together, from the friend?

Cheers
Trev
 
Fat tony, what an interesting link. It does seem to be a private, as the blade has no markings on it. The crossguard is brass, and old as it's turning green around where it meets the blade and bone. the blade is properly put in a proper bisection of the bone.
 
One must also remember that the Fairbain-Sykes knife was for sale during WW2 to anyone, including American troops. AND they are STILL making them.
Value here is only as a knife, but the story that goes with it is MORE important. If you can get a signed letter from the previous owner stating where and when he carried it, as well as the unit he was in, that would be the value.
I do have an original that WAS carried on ops during WW2,but unfortunately the letter the owner wrote was lost in the mail. I doubt if that ex-soldier is still around.
 
Hmmm. On the topic of value, I have the uniform of a Lt. Col. of the Serbian Police Force in Exile during the Kosovo conflict that was brought back and has signed documentation by the guy who brought it back. it was given to me on Christmas... any idea of value?
 
Drachenblut said:
Fat tony, what an interesting link. It does seem to be a private, as the blade has no markings on it. The crossguard is brass, and old as it's turning green around where it meets the blade and bone. the blade is properly put in a proper bisection of the bone.
Click to expand...

Yes I am glad I stumbled upon it, it's a wealth of fascinating historical information. :) :wave:

Edit: iirc, I seen a 'private purchase' F&S like yours in a museum somewhere - I don't remember which museum unfortunately.
 
If you remember, please let me know. it's a keeper for my collection in any regard! It really makes a good knife, fits in the hand well because of the bone curve. The tip is blackened, like over a fire then wiped clean. the rest of the blade isshiny, with a few minor black spots. Also, hard to see in the pics, it has black "tiger stripes" going down the blade. It almost looks like the blade was blackened or blued at one time.
 
I have been looking it over with a magifying glass, and found something! On the bone handle, very faintly, is marked what looks like a broad arrow and under it a C or G. Also, really small is a marking F/G or C. Ideas? the Camera won't pick it up. Also is marked A-J.
 
I would, sadly, he passed away this spring. 3 weeks ago. I wish I could find out more but, he has no heirs who know anything about it. His son mentioned he was part of some "Para-military" group after korea in England...?
 
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