Question on Fairnbain Sykes Dagger handle

David Stifle

David Stifle

Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
10,188
Hi Guys,

I've never handled a real FS dagger, or even a good copy of one. Nevertheless, I'm making one. The blade was easy, no sweat, but when I make the handle (using pictures), it looks perfect in every respect to the picture. However, I'm wondering if I'm getting it right, as the handle is quite slender. Hardly, in my opinion, the handle a man would want on a fighting knife. So, is the handle of a FS dagger really THAT slender of a handle? I guess the best way to ask this question is, when you pick up a FS dagger, do you instantly notice how slim the handle is, or do you just continue to examine the knife, and the question of the handle isn't even an issue in your mind?

Maybe I'm just too used to making bowies:)

Dave
 
I once owned a fairly decent copy of one...
The widest part of the handle was the same width as the widest part of the blade, and did become quite slender as it tapered towards the end. However, it felt quite good in the hand.

My one complaint with the handle was the fact that it was perfectly round in cross-section. An oval would be better, IMO.
(I hate round handles)
 
First Second, or third Pattern ?

3grepp1024.jpg




I have a couple & they are pretty thin - measurements very close to this

Fmfrp_12_80_p69.png
 
Numbers, I guess it's pattern 1, anyway, the knife I'm making is the second one in your picture, the one with the straight guard.

GHEzell, I've seen that drawing, and my handle is very close to the drawing. I just don't like it much, it's just too slender for my taste. Yeh, I know I'm critizing a legend, but it seems to be a poor design for a fighting knife. I just don't get it. I'll post a pic of my knife soon.

Dave
 
Yes it's slender and noticeble. IMO an over-rated knife . In actual use the tip easily broke off or bent hardly a thing you want in a combat knife. In WWII of all the knives used I wouldn't be surprised if the most used and effective was the USMC knife.
 
Thanks Mete,

That confirms my suspicions. I agree, it's not a knife I would take into combat. It will probably be the last one I make.

Dave
 
David Stifle said:
Numbers, I guess it's pattern 1, anyway, the knife I'm making is the second one in your picture, the one with the straight guard.

GHEzell, I've seen that drawing, and my handle is very close to the drawing. I just don't like it much, it's just too slender for my taste. Yeh, I know I'm critizing a legend, but it seems to be a poor design for a fighting knife. I just don't get it. I'll post a pic of my knife soon.

Dave
Click to expand...

That picture is first, second and third-left to right.

They are pretty, but pretty fragile
 
Last edited:
mete said:
Yes it's slender and noticeble. IMO an over-rated knife . In actual use the tip easily broke off or bent hardly a thing you want in a combat knife. In WWII of all the knives used I wouldn't be surprised if the most used and effective was the USMC knife.
Click to expand...

Yup, I'd take the USMC/Ka-Bar any day. The FS dagger, like most daggers, is meant for one thing, poking people. It's just about useless for anything else. It is a very elegant design, though. Well-suited for a high polish and display case, not for fighting combat or survival.
 
Yes, it's elegant, but in order to get that perfect design I had to also make the tang much thinner than I would have liked, it's basically just a thin rod going through the handle. I'm not a perfect knifemaker by any means, but I followed the pattern pretty closely, and it just seems to be a fragile and impratical fighting knife. Still, I know a lot of folks love them, but like you guys, I'll take a Ka-bar over it any day.

Dave
 
I found a web site with a little info on that knife,
"Although it remained in use for many decades after WW II, the knife has been criticized for some of its design qualities. Specifically, some experienced knife fighters find it too light weight so that it may not penetrate readily through heavy clothing or might bounce off a bone. It is also prone to break off if overstressed. These factors have led to the adoption of heavier designs based on the KA-BAR combat knife used by the USMC."

It's a sleek looking knife but not as strong as needed for combat use. The design was improved and is called the Applegate-Fairbairn dagger. The Wikipedia entry is here.

- Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
Thanks Paul,

The wikipedia info is interesting. I didn't know AL Mar produced a folding version. I don't think I've even seen a picture of one.

Of course, I've heard of the Applegate Fairnbain dagger, didn't know it had adjustable lead weights.

Dave
 
Sam, that site requires you to sign up. User name, password, the works. What did you want to show?

Dave
 
Les George did an awesome walk through of making a fairbairn style blade, just thought you might like it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top