Fairbairns-Sykes

[swoter]

Found this at the gunshow today, no markings at all on it. The seller said he collected fighting knives and that this one was a scrubbed version to be used in Vietnam. He thought it was made in the 60's. He had another that was marked Sheffield, but wanted quite a bit more for it. I have no idea myself, but bought it just because I do not have one like it. All metal construction, the nut on hilt is 6-sided. Double edged blade, both sides are sharpened. Leather scabbard, metal tip, brass rivets, and elastic that holds the hilt. Not a very good picture, but you can get the idea.

 

[Gordon]

There were no "scrubbed" knives of this pattern officially or unit sponsored in RVN. It could be an original WW2 one or a repro of any vintage however. There are books written on the subject and they are very hard to accurately judge. You would start with a large format picture of the handle and ricasso for any body to start guessing.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Would like to see...

Swoter--Pic didn't come through. Mebbe you could re-do the link.

As to the knife: There are a LOT of new (and not-so-new) repro F-S knives out there. You'll have to do some serious homework to be able to tell just what you're dealing with. There are original WWII F-S's to be had, too. Never heard of this knife going to 'Nam--officially--but what do I know. As a personal weapon, of course, anything could have been snuck in anywhere, anytime--but how would you document it??

OK--Pic now available. First impression: Looks too new and too nice to have been to 'Nam.

 

[AirForceShooter]

Had one in VN thanks to the Aussies.
The one pictured looks like mine except mine lost the tip a long time ago.
No, I'm not regrinding the tip

AFS

 

[Smokey Joe]

F-S's...

Air Force Shooter--You said

The one pictured looks like mine except mine lost the tip a long time ago.

I understand that this was a common problem with the long slender tip of the as-issued F-S, in WWII. The usual practice was to re-grind the tip, but that was for weapons still in combat.

At this late date I can understand your wanting to leave yours alone.

Hope yours served you well.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

A great pig sticker.

 

[swoter]

Don't think it was ever carried, probably a cheap knock-off. Thats ok though, still looks neat.

 

[Ole Coot]

Knock-off. Don't remember seeing any when I was there. Lots were for sale and either broke at the tip or hilt. It would be impractical for most use in that place if issued.

 

[hso]

Sorry, Gordon is on target. There were no unmarked FS daggers made for SE Asia wars. The FS was so common there was no need.

 

[Sniper X]

I think the guy snookered you on the story of it being carried in Viet Nam, looks way to good to be that old. Leather sheath looks almost new to me in the pics