Personalised WW2 3rd Pattern FS Fighting Knife with Stag Horn Grip & Leather Sheath

Here on offer is an excellent example of a WW2 3rd Pattern FS fighting knife with a beautiful stag horn grip and a personalised pommel cap.

It was originally thought that these knives where made prior to WW2, but evidence has surfaced from period photos of soldiers wearing them in combat. An example of a Belgium soldier wearing one in 1944, is shown on page 197 of Ron Flook’s excellent reference book, “The Fairbain-Sykes Fighting Knife and other Commando Knives”.

This would have most likely been an officers private purchase knife and it is thought they where sold through top uniform outfitters, of that time.

The grip of this knife has been made from a beautiful thick section of real stag horn that has a slight curve, which means it fits the hand perfectly.

I was noted that soldiers and officers actually preferred these horn grips for their comfort fit in the hand and notably there warmth, compared to the sold brass grips, especially for those serving in the colder climate war zones.

It has a mint circular brass pommel cap that has been professionally engraved with the original owner’s initials:

G C

in gothic lettering.

Sadly I have no idea who G C was, as now history/paperwork came with the knife.

The 2 “ oval shaped brass crossguard is in perfect condition and fits snugly against the blade and grip.

It has a beautiful double-edged steel blade with medial ridge. On flat edge of the blade is narrower than the other, giving the impression the ridge is slightly offset, which it isn’t. I have seen this on other 3rd Pattern FS blades.

It measures 6.76” (17.4cm) in length with sharp edges and it still retains most of its original bright finish.

There are some very light surface scratches on the blade, but you can also still see the original cross graining.
No areas of rust, pitting or greying on the blade.


It is complete with original 3rd Pattern dark brown leather sheath with a polished brass chape.
This is the type where the chape is fixed by a large brass rivet and has a seam join to one edge. It would have originally been blackened or painted black when issued but polished bright by the outfitter/seller.

The chape has some slight indentations on the front and back, through use.
The front shows a couple of light dent marks on the section that covers the blade, but there are no splits or damage to the leather.

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

The top belt flap section in my opinion looks to have been replaced at some point in its service life. It has been refitted with two chrome rivets, not the black hollow type it would have originally had fitted.

It is well known that these sheaths have a weak point where the belt flap joins the main covered section, they flex and crack if the leather gets cold and or dry, so you do see period “field” repairs, to keep the knives in use.

There is still a wide black elastic retainer in place, which has been overstretched in order to hold the wide horn grip in place. It is in worn/fragile condition.

This knife itself is in near mint condition and is now very hard to find in such great condition with its original sheath. It is a very impressive FS knife that makes a great display knife for any collection.

The blade measures 6.76” (17.4cm) long and the knife is 11.6” (29.5cm) in total length.

It weighs 245g.

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

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Code: 50488