A William E. Fairbairn smatchet WW2 combat knife, England, 1940s.

Combat knife, so-called smatchet designed by William E. Fairbairn. Used during WW2 by British special forces such as the OSS and US special forces. However, the Smatchet came to live in secluded life in the shadow of the more famous Fairbairn-Sykes F-S combat knife.

Fairbairn dedicated a special chapter to the smatch his book “Get tough!“from 1942:

“The psychological reaction of any man, when he first takes the match in his hand, is full justification for its recommendation as a fighting weapon. He will immediately register all the essential qualities of a good soldier — confidence, determination, and aggressiveness. Je, a,“

Shiny blade with sharp edge and half grinding on blade back. Wooden handle and brass button, marked with 13 and Broad Arrow stamp also printed on the tub. Tub in heavy canvas with core of hard material. Length knife 40.5 cm.

Provenance: Björn Schöns collection.

Courage comment: A very rare and odd combat knife that lived in the shadow of Sykes-Fairbairn's combat knife. A must for all combat knife collectors and also in new condition.