Original WWII British Edged Weapons
While most people think of guns as the most important weapon of World War II, fighting knives and other bladed weapons still retained an important role on the battlefield.
What Types of Edged Weapons Did Britain Use?
While all bladed weapons are basically similar in design, the British used two primary types during the conflict. All infantry troops carried bayonets, and many carried a fighting knife as well.
- Bayonet: For ensuring that a rifle wouldn't become useless when a soldier ran out of ammunition, the bayonet could turn a rifle into a spear. For most of World War II, the British army used the No. 4 spike bayonet, which featured an edgeless design. Other variants included the India pattern bayonet, which had a knife blade like the earlier 1907 model, and the No. 5. The latter featured a Bowie style blade for use with the shorter jungle carbine variant of the Lee-Enfield .303 rifle.
- Knife: Throughout the entire history of warfare, no weapon has ever been able to completely replace the dagger. The most important British knife of the war was the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, which was popularized by WWII commandos, Royal Marines, and special forces. With its slim double-edged blade, the F-S could kill quickly and silently. Once it came out of the scabbard, someone was going to die. Sometimes described as a stiletto it remains one of the most important military knives in service today. Companies such as Gerber trace their tactical designs back to these blades and British commandos.
What Should You Look For When Collecting Weapons?
Whether your preference lies in weapons from the Allies or even the Soviets, there are a few things you should always consider when looking at blades to add to your collection:
- Condition: This means more than just how sharp or how clean your World War Two blade is. It includes things like signs of wear and if it has been repaired and if so, when. Other questions include whether it has the original grip or not. Look at the pommel and see if someone has ever replaced or repaired it.
- Completeness: For daggers and fighting knives, this means the original sheath and hardware. A complete blade has the matching scabbard, and the sheath should be in the same basic condition as the blade. If it came with a leather sheath, you should display it in one. The same goes for the scabbard.
Collectible Militaria
From the trench knife to the Fairbairn-Sykes, blades were in common use throughout the Second World War on both sides of the conflict. While edged weapons do not suffer the same restrictions as guns, you may need to check with your local authorities. The dagger has always been an infantry weapon, even predating the sword in many cultures. By collecting combat knives you can build a connection with military traditions that are centuries old.