WW2 Fairbairn Sykes Commando Dagger by J Nowill of Sheffield - Reviewed!

scholagladiatoria・2 minutes read

The J Noel and Sons Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger, used in World War II, has a back-weighted design for precision stabbing, though some craftsmanship issues exist, making it worth its price of £150.

Insights

  • The J Noel and Sons Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger, used in World War II, is a specialized stabbing tool known for its back-weighted design and double-edged sharpness, ideal for precise lethal strikes.
  • While the dagger showcases impressive craftsmanship and historical significance, including a Sheffield-made version paying homage to British heritage, it also exhibits minor flaws like a blunt blade requiring sharpening, underscoring potential areas for enhancement within its design and functionality.

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Recent questions

  • What is the history of the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger?

    The Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger was used in World War II by British and Commonwealth Commandos, as well as U.S. forces. It is primarily a stabbing implement designed for specific lethal targets like arteries. The dagger has a back-weighted design with a balance point within the hilt to prevent disarming. The J Noel and Sons version pays homage to its British heritage and history, featuring a well-executed hilt with blue steel, checkering, and maker's stamps.

  • What are the distinguishing features of the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger?

    The Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger is a double-edged dagger with sharp edges for control and defense. The second pattern version lacks a ricasso and has a simplified design for mass production, with a checkered grip as a distinguishing feature. The hilt is securely attached with no gaps, ensuring a tight and solid assembly with no vibrations.

  • What materials are used in making the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger?

    The blade of the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger is likely made of hard steel, possibly EN45 or 5160 spring steel. The blade is 7 inches long and arrives completely blunt, requiring sharpening before use. The hilt features blue steel, checkering, and maker's stamps, showcasing impressive fit and finish.

  • What are the flaws of the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger?

    Despite its quality, the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger has some flaws. The blade has noticeable wasting and is slightly thinner than historical examples. The scabbard has excess space around the blade, potentially allowing debris to enter and not securely holding the blade in place. The elastic on the scabbard is difficult to maneuver, requiring adjustment for easier access to the dagger.

  • Is the Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger worth the price?

    The Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger is deemed worth the price of £150, despite some flaws. It has room for improvement in certain areas, such as the blade sharpening and scabbard design. Overall, it is a historically significant and well-crafted dagger that holds value for collectors and enthusiasts.

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Summary

00:00

Review of Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger

  • The J Noel and Sons Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger is being reviewed by Matt Easton from Scholar Gladiatora and Eastern Antique Arms.
  • The dagger was notably used in World War II by British and Commonwealth Commandos, as well as U.S. forces, with the third pattern still in use by British Commandos today.
  • The dagger was widely distributed during World War II, used by various combat troops and special operatives.
  • The Fairburn Sykes Commando Dagger is primarily a stabbing implement, designed for specific lethal targets like arteries.
  • The dagger features a back-weighted design with the balance point within the hilt to prevent loss or disarming.
  • It is a double-edged dagger with sharp edges for control and defense against opponents.
  • The second pattern version lacks a ricasso and has a simplified design for mass production, with a checkered grip as a distinguishing feature.
  • The J Noel and Sons version of the dagger is Sheffield-made, paying homage to its British heritage and history.
  • The dagger's fit and finish are impressive, with a well-executed hilt featuring blue steel, checkering, and maker's stamps.
  • The hilt is securely attached with no gaps, ensuring a tight and solid assembly with no vibrations.

13:57

Fairburn Sykes Dagger: Worth the Price

  • The cross guard is slightly twisted in relation to the blade, which may have been intentional based on historical examples.
  • The blade is well-finished, stiff, and likely made of hard steel, possibly EN45 or 5160 spring steel.
  • The blade is 7 inches long, slightly shorter than advertised but longer than most World War II originals.
  • The blade arrives completely blunt, requiring sharpening before any use.
  • There is a noticeable wasting on the blade, where it abruptly narrows near the guard, indicating a lack of proper sharpening.
  • The blade is 5 millimeters thick at the base, slightly thinner than some historical examples but still acceptable.
  • The scabbard has a lot of excess space around the blade, potentially allowing debris to enter and not securely holding the blade in place.
  • The elastic on the scabbard is difficult to maneuver, requiring adjustment for easier access to the dagger.
  • Despite some flaws, the Fairburn Sykes dagger is deemed worth the price of £150, with room for improvement in certain areas.
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