FS Commando fighting knife

Military

This iconic 1st pattern F-S Fighting Knife was designed by William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes in 1940. The duo trained special forces including the SOE and commandos here in Lochaber during the Second World War. Wilkinson Sword manufactured the fighting knives that were used for close combat by the British Commandos and Allied special forces. The techniques of effective use for this weapon were taught to various special forces at Highland training centres such as Lochailort Special Training Centre and Achnacarry, which was the Commando Basic Training Centre from 1942-1945. This dagger had been handed in to a police station in the south of Scotland as part of a knife amnesty and was scheduled for destruction. By chance a serving police officer, with an interest in Commando history, spotted the knife, recognised its historic importance and gifted to the museum.

Material: nickel plated

Size: L 175 mm (blade)

Sources: West Highland Museum