This Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger is a 12" fighting knife made in Sheffield, England, to the pattern carried by British Commandos in World War II. It has a 7" mirror-finish carbon steel dagger blade, a black knurled metal handle, a metal guard and pommel, and a black leather sheath. This is a new production knife, not a wartime original.
Short and Sweet
- Fairbairn-Sykes pattern commando dagger by Sheffield Knives (model 007)
- 12" overall with a 7" blade
- Carbon steel double-edged dagger blade, mirror finish
- Black knurled metal alloy handle with metal guard and pommel
- Black leather sheath
- Made in Sheffield, England
- Condition: New
The Knife of the Commandos
William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes developed their close-combat methods while serving with the Shanghai Municipal Police, then brought that experience to Britain at the start of World War II to train Commandos and SOE agents. Together they designed a slim, double-edged dagger built for thrusting, with a heavy handle that kept the balance near the guard. Wilkinson Sword began making the first Fairbairn-Sykes knives in 1941, and the pattern went on to become the emblem of the Commandos. It still appears on the insignia of the Royal Marines Commandos and U.S. Army Special Forces today. Fairbairn later promoted a heavier companion blade, the smatchet, for work that needed chopping power.
Sheffield Steel and a Classic Profile
Sheffield has been a center of English steel and cutlery since the 1400s, so a Fairbairn-Sykes made there carries real provenance. The 7" blade follows the original profile, with a tapering double edge and a needle point. The mirror finish gives it a bright, presentation-grade look that stands out in a display case. The knurled handle provides a firm grip even with wet hands, and the knife rides in a black leather sheath. Because the blade is carbon steel, wipe it with a lightly oiled cloth now and then to keep the polish free of rust.
On the Shelf and in the Collection
The Fairbairn-Sykes is one of the most recognized knives ever made, and most buyers choose it as a display piece, a gift for a veteran, or a cornerstone for a WWII edged weapons collection. One owner called the point one of the fiercest he had ever seen, while another noted the edges aren't sharpened to a utility knife standard, which fits a design meant for thrusting rather than cutting. Paired with a smatchet or a Gurkha kukri, it rounds out a collection of the blades that defined Allied special forces in the Second World War.