There is something about a weapon that is both functional and pleasing to the eye at the same time. Where the weapon possesses admirable qualities of both form and function, then it's appeal is all the greater overall.

This martial elegance can be found in all finely crafted weapon types through the ages, from longbows to longswords, rapiers to broadswords, smallswords to pistols and rifles to aircraft.

When the proportions of all individual parts work together in a perfect balance to create an aesthetically pleasing but functional weapon or machine, then emotionally contrasting elements speak volumes such as aggressiveness with beautiful form and grace with deadly purpose.

The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando knife is the Spitfire of the knife World, and both are still regarded as all-time combative classics.

Both hail from the same era and were employed over and on the very same battlefields in one of the greatest conflicts the World has ever known. Both are beautiful to behold in their own right and highly effective killers in trained hands.

Now devoid of combative intent by their wielding, they both stand today for us to know and admire as awe inspiring instruments that helped secure the victory and freedom of Allied forces.

They exist today as rare and real reminders of their original duties and serve to ensure that We Shall Remember Them.

The British Commando knife was first designed in 1940 by close combat legends William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes, who established and taught the combative training methods for wartime special forces such as the independent companies, SOE, Commandos, U.S Rangers and OSS. Though known as the FS Fighting knife, this was not designed to be a knife fighting knife, but primarily designed to be used in silent killing actions such as sentry take-outs. The techniques of effective use were taught to various special forces at Highland training centres such as Lochailort Special Training Centre (STC) and Achnacarry, which was the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC) from 1942-1945.

The 1st pattern knife was originally manufactured exclusively by Wilkinson Sword Company, and was in great demand from first production. Original 1st pattern knives are highly collectable and sought after today with top quality examples selling for thousands. The 2nd pattern was manufactured by many companies throughout the UK, and has often been regarded as the most effective pattern of Commando knife ever made. The diamond knurled brass grip provides excellent purchase wet or dry. The hand-ground 7 inch high carbon steel blade carries both edges for the full length of the blade. The scabbard features an elastic retaining band for silent drawing, and rear tabs for stitching the scabbard to any piece of clothing or kit. Commandos were advised to carry their knives wherever they might find most convenient for access. Macdonald Armouries has researched these unique weapons in great detail to offer high quality reproduction 1st and 2nd pattern knives today. Our knives look, handle and perform as originals.

Features include:

• 7 inch EN45 spring steel blades.
• Blades are a full 1/4 inch thick at ricasso and distal taper to point.
• Full tang.
• 1/8 inch thick steel guards.
• Brass turned and knurled grips.
• Authentic form top nuts.
• Accurate balance overall (approx. 1 inch back from guard)
• Authentic pattern scabbards with riveted brass chapes, securing tabs and press stud or brown elastic retaining straps.

1st Pattern FS Knife

In 1940, following a meeting with close combat legends William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes, Wilkinson sword went into production of the very first nickel plated fighting knives that were to symbolise close combat and the spirit of the British Commandos and Allied special forces.
70 years on, Macdonald Armouries is delighted to offer high quality reproductions of this legendary knife.

We have spent many months in research and development in order to ensure accuracy and authenticity in reproduction of every element of knife and scabbard. Our pieces convey the same look and feel of wartime originals and it is with such dedication to detail that we offer our 1st pattern to honour the original Wilkinson made knives and the Commandos that used them.
1st pattern scabbards may be ordered without securing tabs on request.

Price per piece £220.

Original 1st pattern (left) Macdonald Armouries repro (right)	FS Fighting Knife ricasso etching

Armouries ricasso etch	1st pattern and scabbard

2nd Pattern FS Knife

The following variations of 2nd Pattern are available to order:

• Plain Finish - White steel blade, white steel guard, brass grip and top nut, brass scabbard chape.
• Half Black - White steel blade, black guard, grip, top nut and scabbard chape.
• Full black - Black blade, black guard, grip, top nut and scabbard chape.
• Nickel Plated - Polished steel blade, nickel plated guard, grip, top nut and scabbard chape.

L-R - Plain, Half Black, Full Black and Nickel Plated.

2nd Pattern - Plain

The plain version has a practical material finish for all components. Grip and top nut in plain brass, guard in plain steel, blade with plain steel finish.
The scabbard features a plain brass chape and brass rivets. A simple and elegant look overall, available in satin or polished finish to order (polished finish pictured).

Price per piece £140.

2nd Pattern - Half Black

With the tactical philosophy of Commandos and special forces requiring covert operation, night-time engagement and silent killing actions, there was demand for blackened knives that reflected no light. To these ends, many 2nd pattern knives were made with blackened components. Our half and full black versions replicate these original knives. The half black version was designed with a plain steel blade that was in keeping with Fairbairn's original close combat philosophy of wielding a bright steel blade. This was coupled with a covert black finish on guard, grip, top nut and scabbard chape.

Price per piece £140.

2nd Pattern - Full Black

Our full black FS features blackened blade, guard, grip, top nut and scabbard chape.

Price per piece £140.

2nd Pattern - Nickel Plated

The 1st pattern FS knives and many early 2nd patterns were made with bright nickel plated grips and guards, and had polished blades, with nickel plated scabbard chapes to match. This followed the original philosophy of William Fairbairn, who stated "I believe that a knife should be bright and highly polished for the reason that 20% of the fight is lost by not striking awe in the mind of the victim that a flashing knife gives."

Price per piece £160.

Custom Engraving

We also offer a custom engraving service, replicating original wartime customisation. Prices on application.

Custom Etching

2nd pattern knives can be made complete with FS knife and Macdonald Armouries etchings.
We can also create custom blade etching to order if required. Prices on application.

Our Maker's Mark

The collector's market is full of Fairbairn-Sykes and Commando type knives and varying degrees of quality reproductions are available today from various makers. Unfortunately, there are also unscrupulous sellers who intentionally attempt to sell reproduction knives as originals. This does the market no favours and rips off genuine buyers who purchase in good faith.

In order to avoid the potential problem of our own pieces being sold as originals, we clearly mark all our knives with the initials . M . and . A . for Macdonald Armouries. This is deeply hand-stamped on the lower guard face of each knife. We also stamp our scabbards accordingly. If you ever see this mark on any FS knife, FS scabbard, smatchet or SOE knife being sold as an original WW2 piece, please report such sales directly to us that we might take appropriate action and alert the serious collectors community.

Testimonials

"Macdonald has produced a worthy modern replica version of the 1st pattern FS knife and in terms of craftsmanship and finish, the knife is very faithful to the original from 1940/1941 in shape and balance. Ever mindful of the collecting fraternity, he has etched the blade with his name and stamped the crossguard with his initials, given the grip a slightly different style of knurling. The knife and scabbard is a well crafted tribute to the original knifemakers and the men who carried it."
Robert Wilkinson-Latham (Son of the late John Wilkinson-Latham, Director, Wilkinson Sword Company)

"Mac does outstanding work and I am now waiting for my 1st pattern to arrive from him. If you can't afford a real FS you can not go wrong ordering from Mac he is a gentleman, keeps you informed of his progress and like I said his work is without peer.

I receive my 1st pattern from Mr Macdonald today and it took my breath away. All I can say is WOW!! Its hard to believe anything so deadly can also be beautiful. The fit and finish are superb and the workmanship and attention to original detail is outstanding. Mr Macdonald set out to pay homage to the original first patterns and has done so in an outstanding manner. I believe Mr Fairbairn and Mr Sykes would approve. I know mine will be the centre of my small military collection. This is the second knife I have from Mr Macdonald and you can be sure I will be adding more."
SFC Cliff Rittenhouse US Army (Ret) 82nd Airborne, 11th Special Forces, 77th Pathfinder detachment, 20th special Forces, Ohio, USA

"Maestro/ I have just recieved the F&S knife you made for me and the only word I can use is DELIGHTED. As you know I have waited many years to get my hands on even a copy of this piece of my family's history, not being able to afford the genuine article even if any are still about and for sale."
Andy Fairbairn (William Fairbairn's great nephew)

"The First Pattern knife I ordered from Macdonald Armouries arrived this morning. It's one of the first batch shown on Paul Macdonald's display of these beauties. This knife is a superb copy of what Fairbairn, Sykes and Wilkinson achieved as a team during the early days of WWII, with a balance, size, and appearance identical to the originals. Mine will slice newsprint, a test I use to demonstrate a razor edge. For those FS fans out there who have been hanging back, wondering whether or not to take the plunge for one of these, my suggestion is to wait no longer. I have an original First Pattern with which to compare. Balance, weight, appearance and just overall appeal are faultless in this replica, and I am delighted with it."
Peter Hooker, Ontario, Canada