
FS HERITAGE

THE 1ST PATTERN
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Designed for ‘Churchill’s iron fist from the sea’, the British commandos, who were the forerunners of every special forces unit we see in the world today, the FS Fighting Knife led to a new breed of soldier, and since 1941 it has remained the symbol of the military elite.

The first pattern blade is made from a CS75 high carbon steel, each being individually heat treated for both optimum performance and edge retention. The blade is then hand ground, by eye. The grinding process takes place on a huge grinding wheel, running through a trough of water, each one coming to life with an act of theatre in its own right.
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The grinder perches over the wheel on their horsing seat, gently pressing the steel against the wheel, bringing its profile to life. As the process continues, wet particles of steel and stone, known as the swarf, splatter against the a board positioned at the front of the wheel, which adds its fingerprint to the hundreds of various other blades that preceded it.

The handle, pommel and cross-guard are produced in small batches by a highly skilled technician on a CNC lathe, in either brass or mild steel. Once polished and finished to fit, the cross-guard, handle and pommel are affixed to the blade’s tang by an expert knife-maker.
Once assembled, the 1st pattern’s charisma and unparalleled balance can be felt by anyone who wields it.
Lovingly and painstakingly revived by examining countless original 1941 1st pattern knives, a cross section of the best have been considered for each and every detail carried forward to this model. Embodying all of its character, attributes and specifications, bringing you the best we can, truly capturing the essence of our predecessors at Fairbairn Sykes.
