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The Fairbairn - Sykes Commando Knife

In 1940, Capt. William Ewart Fairbairn and Capt. Eric Anthony Sykes collaborated with Wilkinson Sword in the design of the world famous FS Fighting Knife. The first production run was referred to as the "First Pattern" or MK1. The "Second Pattern" or MK2 was made with modifications to speed up production and did not include the "S" cross guard found in first pattern units.  In 1943, the "Third Pattern"  or MK3 was put into production and is seen today in the turned metal grip and black finish.

Some of the groups that have used FS-knives over the years have included Royal Marines, British Special Boat Section, British Special Air Service, US First Ranger Battalion, French Commandos, British Paratroopers, Polish Paratroopers, USMC Raiders, Office of Strategic Services, First Special Service Force, Australian Special Air Service, NATO special forces troops, Canadian paratroopers, US Army Special Forces, Indian Army, Indian Parachute Division, Dutch Commandos, Burma Army, Free French Commandos, just to name a few.  During war production, other companies made the FS knife.