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Hi Folks,

My first production model is today complete, as we have been working on specific scabbard details to get things right.

The second pattern is in my opinion the best of all three patterns made, as it did away with the rectangular ricasso of the 1st patt., which takes up valuable edge space for close whittling use, yet retained the fine chequered grip, which is far superior than the 3rd patt. grip.

Here are some shots of the finished article, which I do plan to get into production sometime later this year -


Knive and scabbard together.





With rear view of scabbard -



Second blade made (slightly more slender) with distinctive "V" at ricasso, as common to early 2nd pattern knives. This indicated an eariler made hand ground blade on originals.




The next step is to source a good foundry that can provide good quality brass castings of the original grip.
There are two local foundrys, one that casts bronze only and one that only casts brass every 2 -3 months.

The blade is EN45 spring steel, hand ground to original dimension specs, sharpened and blackened.
The grip on this piece is an original in solid brass, from which all future grips shall be cast.
The pommel nut is steel, bun shaped as originals and can also be blackened.
Guard is brass, hand formed to original dimension specs (2" x 5/8" x 1/8") and chiselled with the Wartime Government crows foot mark on the upper face.
Both guard and grip can also be blackened as per many originals.

The scabbard body is hand made from leather replicating the thickness, suppleness and colour of originals, with a single hand-stitched rear seam and separate frog attachment.
The frog is attached with two rivets also replicating originals, 1/4" diameter, steel body, brass plated, double capped and finished in black enamel.
1/2" wide black elastic secures the top of dagger grip.
Two scabbard tabs include stitching holes as original patterns.
The Scabbard chape is to original dimensions, made in brass and with a blackened finish.

Thought you guys would appreciate it!

All the best,

Macdonald

That looks B****y good,well done.

Mike.

Mac
They look the dogs,I'm more than impressed with the scabbard which always seems one of the things that let down some repros.
If I had to be picky,(and please take this as constructive criticism),the black elastic lets it down,I know its hard to find brown elastic (took me ages to find some rummaging about at car boots etc) but that would be the iceing on the cake..
Thanks for posting the photos.

Gary

Cheers for the comments.

No problem Gary, it`s the picky sorts that get things right!

I have tried and am still trying to source brown elastic 1/2" wide, as I`m aware this would be perfect for the job. Also, the tab ends should be more square, which shall be done on all scabbards from here on in.

If anyone knows a source for brown elastic, please do let me know.

Cheers,

Macdonald

Looks good MacDonald.
Wouldn`t white elastic dyed brown work, even brown boot polish might work

Matt

Beautiful reproduction .
Congratulations, Paul.

Hmmm... this ebay item proclaims to be original but has black elastic:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ORIGINAL-FAIRBAIR ... 286.c0.m14

BTW... I'd be interested in a scabbard if you do them separately...

Hi Richard,

The FS knives were made with black elastic only for later models.

The 1st pattern scabbard had a pop stud fastening, and the 2nd pattern was when they introduced the silent elastic retainer, which was originally brown.
A colleague has a 3rd pattern knife that has a scabbard with both elastic and pop stud, which looks like it has been an early 1st pattern scabbard which was adapted with the elastic at a later date.
As it is early 2nd pattern knives that I am specifically reproducing, the brown elastic would be ideal.

And guess what I`ve just sourced.......

Shall post a pic with the finishing touch added.

All the best,

Macdonald

aha... I see!

I have a 3rd pattern repro with the black scabbard. Its for that I'd be looking for a brown scabbard.

Btw, this all looks really nice!

Hi Paul, Is that the same knife you showed me at East Fortune? I would definitly be interested in one of these,as the quality of the piece is outstanding. Tam

That`s the same piece Tam.

I`ll be happy to let you know when production is underway. Shall be chasing another contact regards casting grips today and keep you all informed as to progress.

All the best,

Macdonald

Hi Folks,

Here is the latest, which should be as all production models look from here on, now with brown elastic -







I am in talks with a couple of foundrys about casting grips, so all wheels are in motion. More news soon!

Macdonald

Beautiful mate! The only question is, when the production will begin?

As soon as is practical!

I am off to the West Highlands tomorrow to run a week long martial training course, and need my original for that (should be the first time that Fairbairn-Sykes close combat will have been taught and practiced in the grounds of Inverailort House since WW2).

As soon as I`m back, the grip will be sent to a foundry in England for a quote on production. The only way to accurately make the grips is with lost wax casting, as sand casting will leave it`s tell-tale seams along the sides. Few sources I`ve found provide brass in lost wax.

Once I have that quote, one foundry will get the contract to make the first two dozen pieces, and I`ll take it from there.

I would estimate the first pieces being available around July/August.

All the best,

Macdonald

I'll cry if I don't get my hands on one!!!

Excellent work, Paul! And from a local lad, too....

Fantastic, truly superb. Look excellent

Alsooo, would you be willing to sell the scabards seperately? Or just with the knife itself?

All the best and superb work again,
Pip