Fine example of a double-edged stiletto-style fighting knife, 6.25 blade, 11.25 in. overall, with a blackened checked vase-shaped brass grip, an oval hand guard and no ricasso. The knife is housed in the original black-painted leather with a brown leather belt loop. Termination of scabbard a tad loose. Belt loop stamped ‘FR271’. The blacking on the blade shows light rubbing at the edges, otherwise very good. These knives were designed by William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes, instructors in close-combat fighting at the Commando Basic Training Centre in Scotland. The knife came to be most closely associated with the British Commandos, but was also used by British and Canadian Airborne troops, the SAS, the American OSS and Army Rangers, and some U.S. Marine units. It remains one of the most instantly recognizable fighting knife styles.