150 AVAILABLE ONLY
The Fairbairn–Sykes Fighting Knife
The Fairbairn-Sykes 'Fighting Knife' was designed by William E. Fairbairn and Eric A. Sykes taken from their experience on the Shanghai Municipal Police and later refined by Wilkinson Sword in Britain in 1940–41.
The fighting knife is a slim, double-edged stiletto-style knife optimised for thrusting, with a vase-shaped/foil handle and a sharply tapered point. It was produced in several wartime patterns as demand and manufacturing needs evolved.
It was famously issued (in 1941) to British Commandos, SOE operatives, airborne forces and later adopted by other SF units. The fighting knife quickly became both a practical close-combat tool and an emblem of the SF fraternity.
The Link
Z Special Unit were a clandestine/sabotage and reconnaissance force in the South-West Pacific, set up under the SOE/SRD structure and modelled on British special-operations practice. Their training, tradecraft and mission profiles were drawn from the same SOE/Commando doctrine that propagated the fighting knife throughout the special forces environment.
Whilst detailed unit kit lists for every Z-Special operative varied, British Commando instructors and SOE teams were the main vectors for the Fairbairn–Sykes. The fighting knife became a direct link to the Australian 1 and 2 Commando formations.
The Fairbairn–Sykes was the iconic WWII Commando fighting knife and became standard kit and a symbol for SOE/Commando-style units. The same British SOE/Commando lineage that trained and influenced Australia’s Z Special Unit explains the fighting knife’s association with Z-Special and Australian Commando personnel and tactics.
Fairbairn Sykes Replica Display Knife – Rounded Handle Variant
This second release draws on an earlier pattern of the iconic Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife, distinguished by its more rounded, balanced handle design.
Originally developed for close quarters combat, the Fairbairn Sykes knife became synonymous with special forces operations. Within the Australian SAS, formed in 1964 and heavily influenced by British doctrine, the knife carried through as both a practical fighting tool and a symbol of the Regiment’s origins in unconventional warfare.
The rounded handle reflects earlier design intent, prioritising grip, control, and natural hand alignment over later mass production changes. This style is closer to the form associated with the knife’s operational roots, where balance and precision were critical.
While rarely spoken about, blades like this formed part of the early identity of special forces units, including the SASR, representing a time when equipment was simple, purpose built, and relied upon in the closest of engagements.
This Australian handmade replica has been created as a display piece, capturing the shape and character of the original, and offering a subtle nod to the Regiment’s heritage.
A piece grounded in history. A design shaped by purpose.
This replica knife is 15cm long (Approx 1:2 Ratio) and is presented in a display box with the Australian SASR insignia inside the box.
