The Ferburn-Sykes Battle Dagger

In the initial period of the Second World War, the commandos of Britain were very unlucky. In addition to banal bad luck, there were still factors of failure.

First of all, this lack of experience in the preparation and use of commandos. This is now clear and understandable philosophy of war by special means. The methods have been worked out, the preparation and distribution of forces and means are unified throughout the world. Or almost the same ...))

And in the 40s of the 20th century, the selection of candidates was simple and uncomplicated. The ideal physical form, the presence of sporting achievements, knowledge of languages ​​...

Equipment for special operations was invented on the move and in a hurry.
In June 1940, the English company "Wilkinson Sword" was ordered to develop a combat knife for special units commandos. The firm approved and produced a test batch of daggers by the model of William Ferburn and Eric Sykes.
The Ministry of Defense liked the dagger and went into production.

In connection with the hardships of war time, the design was simplified all the time. Copper and the like were used instead of expensive and scarce brass.

But the form of the dagger has been unchanged since 1941 to this day.

It is still being produced, replicas are in great demand. Personally, I am struck in the combat dagger of Ferburn and Sykes, the presence of a handle from the rapier.
A round handle of the "bottle type" was "attached" to a straight double-edged blade.

Modern combat knives are not like that. And the knife fighters will get used to such weapons for a long time. Probably, such a blade was designed to effectively pierce the overcoats of German soldiers?

Or is this eastern past of Ferburn manifested? He lived in Shanghai for a long time and served there in the police. "To own weapons, as an artist owns his brush" ....

Whatever it was, but the Battle Dagger of Ferburn-Sykes inspired many craftsmen.

source photo https://topwar.ru/35557-kinzhal-ferberna-sayksa.html