Fairbairn Sykes or V-42?

Fairbairn-Sykes or V-42 stiletto?

  • Fairbairn-Sykes

    Votes: 6 42.9%

  • V-42 stiletto

    Votes: 8 57.1%
  • Total voters
    14
JG Custom Metal Works

JG Custom Metal Works

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
Messages
1,626
So, I’ve always liked the looks of the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, from far away. But I held one up close, and I could see what most have complained about in regards to fit and finish. It wasn’t that great. That being said, I still liked it. Especially being that it’s only a $80 blade.

So, I’ve finally reached the point where I’m ready to buy one and started looking around at different models and brands. The Sheffield and Sons seems to be the most authentic, but there were a few other companies that make ones that look very close to the original as well. Rothco being one. What I’m wondering is, who makes the best version for under, or around $100? I’m a knifemaker and can’t bring myself to spend a lot on a fixed blade because, if I decide that I want a higher quality one, I’ll just make it myself. Which I very well may do. But I’d like to have one in hand so I can understand the design a little better.so again, which model of the Fairbairn-Sykes should I be looking at? I do not like the Gerber offerings BTW. I want ones that are like the traditional design. Like this:

5uftGlc.jpg




Lastly, I mentioned the V-42 stiletto because it is a similar knife and in the similar price range. How does it compare to the Fairbairn-Sykes? There are some design features I like and dislike about both knives. I for one don’t really like the large leather spacer that sits behind the guard on the V-42. I imagine it’s just epoxied to the back of the guard and seems like it could come off fairly easy over time. I’m also not a huge fan of leather handles in general, I DO like the pommel spike though. The fit and finish looks like it may be better with the V-42 in the pictures, but I’m not sure. So, how does the v-42 compare to the Fairbairn-Sykes? Is one superior to the other? If you DO think the V-42 IS a superior knife, which brand/model is the best or highest quality in the $100 range. Here is the Boker one I’m looking at:

CKMYOwb.jpg
 
Better for what? If we're just talking about looks that's one thing. They'd probably open letters about the same.
 
W.M.B. said:
Better for what? If we're just talking about looks that's one thing. They'd probably open letters about the same.
Click to expand...

“Better” in regards to fit, finish, and structural integrity. Which is better made, generally speaking. Which design is more robust. I thought I’d explained it fairly well. I’m wanting to hear from people who have experience with these knives, and what their opinions are. Preferably people who have experience with both and would have insight as to which is better made. Again, generally speaking.

The intended purpose of the knife is blatantly clear. Obviously I’m not going to be going around stabbing people with the knife. But I’m not going to be opening letters with it either. I’m not really sure what you’re trying to get at with your comment...
 
<Initial suggestion deleted since this is the traditional forum>

If I was looking for a historical dagger, I would probably opt for the Fairbairn Sykes. If I was looking for coolness, I would opt for the V-42.

Regarding the durability of the leather spacer, I really don't think that a dagger is likely to get that much work... I mean, I love daggers, and I have some in my collection, but I don't ever really need to use them. They are kind of specialty tools.
 
The leather spacer probably cushions your fingers if you stab something hard.

One thing about the Fairbairn Sykes is they designed it to have a brass handle, feeling that a heavy handle was important, and Sykes or Fairbairn was very disappointed when they spoiled the knife with a light wooden handle. I handled a brass one once in the Sword, Armor, and Pistol Shop on Old Marleybone (sp.?) High Street in London in 1976. The old brass one was better F&Fed than the newer ones. I also don't know if the RMC are still using them or how many of the new ones would meet MOD specs.
The Fairbairn Sykes originally had a lot of breaks near the point or at the blade shoulders, too. The V42 might have been late enough to take that into account in their design.

I like the Applegate Fairbairn more than either of them, but there's no skull-puncher.
 
The FS you're showing is the cheapest BobBasic one I have ever seen, little surprise you're not impressed with the f&f I guess ;)

There is also the classic Sheffield dagger, but I presume not easy to come across these days - only gave one away on our wee knife forum not so long ago.

Sheffield%20dagger%2001.jpg


If you're after a FS of better quality there are plenty out there, but I have no idea what sales/marketing to USA is like

An example of others and different types: http://www.macdonaldarms.com/armoury/FairbairnSykes.php


.
 
When one considers "which is better" one must take into account the intended purpose. The better for what. If you want the better dust collector, the fairbairn has a more appealing shape to my eye. I have never stabbed anyone so my ability to judge this aspect is limited.
 
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I have no personal experience with either. However can relate a story. I worked for quite a while with a former SF officer on a collaboration. We were designing a combat knife to his specs and ideas. We were discussing the uses that it would be put too. Mostly it was a camp knife, opening this, doing that, slicing here etc. Knife fighting was way down on his list. He did mention that the "ultimate sentry removal" knife already existed. He was talking about the FS.
 
Given your <$100 price, I'd say good luck. The repros in that price range I've seen and held were FS and were not very good. Never seen or held a repro V42 except the current Case & thats way out of your range.
 
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