fairbairn–sykes fighting knife, is it legit?

[Aragorn243]

My gut is telling me no, this is not legit. I know almost nothing about these however. Markings look good, scabbard looks good although possibly a late model NATO one. The problem in my mind is that there is no way one of this type would be dated 1940. Thinking this is a 3rd pattern which would be 1943 at the earliest. No other markings besides the date and broad arrow that I could find.

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[CINDERS]

You don't say if it has a cast No. on it up near the pommel mine has a 1 and has been certified as a 3rd pattern I was referred from this site to an expert cannot remember his name lost all his details when my comp crashed........
It may be the angle it appears the CL of the blade does not line up central to the handle and cross piece!

[desperatedan]

I don't think your knife is a Wilkinson manufactured Third pattern example, as the pommel nut looks different to other examples I've seen but it does look to be an all original and unmolested late war example.

The best person to ask is Roy Shadbolt, who is an expert in FS knives. You should be able to contact Roy via his website at http://www.wilkinsonfscollection.com although I think he's now working on a new version of his site. I've always found him very helpful.

[Aragorn243]

Quality holding it in hand felt good. If I knew nothing about these I'd say it's legit, but I know just enough about them to not trust that at all. The only marks I could find are the 1940 with the broad arrow just above it. I did not notice anything out of the ordinary about the blade and the handle but if I get back that way to examine it again I will check that. The blade appeared to be unsharpened. I don't know if that is normal or significant. Blade condition appeared to be unused. Handle obviously has some dings, etc. Blade and cross piece both have a black substance on them that I could not get a good handle on. Could be the finish, could be grease, could be black paint. I looked very carefully at the entire knife. It is possible some faint marks could be hidden under this black substance but I found nothing definite. The 1940 and broad arrow are struck very clear and have the substance in them.

If it is legit and late war, why would 1940 be on it? Year production of the type started perhaps? This surely wasn't produced in 1940.

The scabbard was unmarked. It has the elastic type "holder" on it that is stretched and worn out. Other than that it is in good condition.

[RCS]

I believe mine mine is also the 3rd pattern, thanks CINDERS for the number 1 near the pommel, which mine also has and
the ENGLAND stamp on the guard

Over the years the were alot of fakes most came from Spain as I recallAttachment 105709Attachment 105708Attachment 105707

[CINDERS]

Roy Shadbolt that was the man if my bl**dy comp had not crashed I could have put up what he said about mine, he is a thoroughly decent bloke who gave me a detailed history on my knife etc well worth sending him the pic of that F/S.

That looks almost like a carbon copy of mine RCS

[Gil Boyd]

Kev,
Do you know whether Roy Shadbolt served in 22. Knew someone of that name in the 70's and its not a common surname either!

[Aragorn243]

I sent Roy an email but haven't heard back from him yet.

[desperatedan]

Kev,
Do you know whether Roy Shadbolt served in 22. Knew someone of that name in the 70's and its not a common surname either!

Hi Gil, sorry I don't know. I recall that his bio on his early website used to mention that he is ex-UK forces but he's changed the layout a few times since. Why not drop him a line and ask?

Cheers, Kev

[browningautorifle]

I wondered if anyone would want to see this website while we were talking about these...some interesting blades here. Rarest of Them All - The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knives