WW2 2nd Pattern 'All Black' B2 FS Fighting Knife with Early Version of the Leather Sheath

Here on offer is an excellent example of a WW2 British 2nd Pattern B2 (Fairbairn Sykes) FS Fighting Knife, that I am sure was made by Wilkinson Sword

2nd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes 'FS' Fighting Knives were introduced in 1941 and where produced in a number of variations to their finish, partial bright, partial black and all black. This version is the ‘all black’ version, as intended for use in combat, minimising any unwanted reflections.


I believe this 2nd pattern FS fighting knife was issued during WW2, with its ‘B2’ inspection mark and the (War Department) ‘WD Broad Arrow’ designation.


The knife has blackened brass 2nd pattern hilt, with a knurled grip. It doses show some loss of the blackening finish to the front and back of the grip, as seen on examples that have seen combat use.


The top of the oval shaped blackened steel cross guard is stamped with a clear War Department inspection mark 'B2' and WD broad arrow designation.

It has a near mint double-edged blued steel blade with medial ridge. It retains 99% of the blueing to the blade, with just a minor wear loss near the tip. The edges are sharp and show very light evidence of sharpening for combat use.

It is complete with a near mint early style dark brown sheath with external blued brass chape.

Apparently on the early issued sheaths the blued chape had a square tip as fitted to this example. The chape is held in place by a large metal staple on the reverse.


The leather on the sheath is in near mint condition with very minor usage marks to the finish.
At the top it has lost its original elastic retainer and just the stitched edges remain attached to the belt flap.

On the reverse, it still retains its two original and unused horizontal leather tabs or ‘wings’.

This knife is near mint example of a genuine WW2 period knife and it comes from my private collection of FS Knifes.

The blade measures 6.76” (17.3cm) long and the knife is 11.74” (29.7cm) in total length.

It weighs 260g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50477