Fairbairn Skyes Fighting Knife Question

[BryanJ]

I have an early 1943 F-S coming and I have a sheaf question. What material is the pommel keeper on the sheaf is made of? Is it leather or elastic? If someone has a F-S from this period and would be willing to take a couple of photos for me of the front and back of the sheaf showing how the pommel keeper is sewn on, I'd appreciate it. The keeper on the one I have coming is missing, and if it's practical, I'd like to replace it (maybe).

https://centurionauctions.hibid.com/lot ... nReminders

[Gunsil]

Keeper was a thin elastic band, most have long since deteriorated away, likely not worth repairing. Sheath may not be one that came with the knife originally anyways. Since it has "England" stamped on the guard it is one of the tens of thousands re-stamped after the war and sent to the US as partial payment for lend/lease arms we sent to England during the war. None of the ones with the "England" stamp were issued to troops. Hard to find model with the second model blade and third model handle.

[BryanJ]

Thanks for info. After my post I found some photos of the sheaf with the keeper and saw how it was sewn together. Hopefully the corrosion shown in the photos and rust will clean up fairly well and I'll probably repair the sheaf. I'd never researched the variety of F-S knives until I stumbled upon this one. Might now have to keep my eye out for a few more. Interesting knives.

[tongueriver]

For what it is worth (very little, no doubt) the word is "sheath." Sheaf refers to a bundle of wheat/barley/oats stalks including the head and the straw, before it goes to the farm machinery (which varies) which separates the seeds from the chaf/straw, etc.

[FRJ]

I've got one but I'm afraid it falls into the category of the mundane when it comes to these beautiful knives.
Other members have shown some real beauties in a former thread.

Mine does not have a sheath.

[BryanJ]

For what it is worth (very little, no doubt) the word is "sheath." Sheaf refers to a bundle of wheat/barley/oats stalks including the head and the straw, before it goes to the farm machinery (which varies) which separates the seeds from the chaf/straw, etc.

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, a mind is a terrible thing to waste (waist). I hope I don't loose my forum membership for being a DA. Must have been having a mental lisp when I spelled it sheaf, who knows. This morning when getting out of shower, wife says, you know, you've got your underwear inside out...

FRJ. I think that is a very attractive knife.

[FRJ]

Thank you Bryan.

[BryanJ]

A couple more questions. Is the handle and blade some sort of alloy? Is the handle brass? Any recommendations what I can use to clean it up?

[terryl308]

BryanJ, If it were mine, I wouldn't do any deep cleaning, just use gun oil or wd40, wipe it off with a soft cloth and leave the "patina". There have been more than a few collector items ruined by buffing and heavy duty cleaning, Most would like to see the original "character" left in place. Terry

[BryanJ]

That's exactly what I did...WD-40. Most of the original bluing is still on blade with rust and some pitting. Handle cleaned up ok with some corrosion. Sheath is in good shape, minus the keeper. Nice add to my small milsurp collection.