Third Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, B2 stamped

[Salzburg]

My first FS knife.

Wilkinson manufactured Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife; early/mid war Third Pattern; mould 2; B2 ownership/inspection mark.

It has been suggested to me that the flat spot on the grip may have been a deliberate marking so that a Commando could feel when the blade was held flat in darkness, so as not to catch on the ribs when used.

Martin

[mikee]

My first FS knife.

Wilkinson manufactured Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife; early/mid war Third Pattern; mould 2; B2 ownership/inspection mark.



Martin

its ww2 .but its NOT WILKINSON F-S. a Wilkinson F-S always be unmarked cross guard.
the only marking that you can find its the "ENGLAND" mark .( that is a post war mark for export to the US) .

[Salzburg]

its ww2 .but its NOT WILKINSON F-S. a Wilkinson F-S always be unmarked cross guard.
the only marking that you can find its the "ENGLAND" mark .( that is a post war mark for export to the US) .

I take my information from this website:

Wilkinson Third Pattern F-S Example 16

Roy Shadbolt's research seems impressively comprehensive.

Regards


Martin

[mikee]

ok that odd.in the same web site on the P-3 "A Knife Of Compromise" look at the bottom of the page .

[Salzburg]

ok that odd.in the same web site on the P-3 "A Knife Of Compromise" look at the bottom of the page .

Like so many things we collect, there are many contradictions to what we perceive to be 'the norm'. It seems that, perhaps 'we will never know the whole truth'.

Regards


Martin

[mikee]

Roy Shadbolt's research seems impressively comprehensive.

Regards


Martin

i dont know if he saw that.

[mikee]

I take my information from this website:

Wilkinson Third Pattern F-S Example 16

Roy Shadbolt's research seems impressively comprehensive.

Regards


Martin

that is NOT Wilkinson F-S there is no logo on the blade . he just made a mistake Wilkinson are unmarked cross-guards

[Martin Bull]

It's hard to identify 3rd pattern F-S makers - but whether Wilkinson-Sword or not, genuine WWII examples are getting ever-harder to find ; it's good to see a collector getting one.

[Chopperman]

Mike,
The B2 marked knives are indeed Wikinson made and not from BSA.
I contacted Roy Shadbolt and asked him directly about the B2 marks. His reply
was that after Robert Lathem published his book, he ( Lathem ) discovered
documents that proved B2 was Wilkinson.

I've also sent an email to Mr. Lathem asking for further information.

[Chopperman]

Just an update.

Mr Robert Wilkinson-Lathem has not replied to my emails, whick kind of surprised
me as he has been kind enough to reply in the past.

Ron Flook in his new book has pictured documentation of the B2 - Wilkinson connection.
I have asked him for permission to quote or paraphrase him here. Hopefully he will say yes.
There is little doubt that knives with the B2 stamp are from Wilkinson.