Metford-Fairbairn ‘Suicide’ Dagger & Thumb Dagger
This new TEK re-creation is made from an original 1888 Lee-Metford bayonet, dated March 1897. The bayonet did not have a scabbard and showed signs of once being field sharpened. It has now been re-created as a Suicide Dagger with a pinned, screw-apart grip and additional thumb dagger.
Sold complete with a strong, form fitted sheath made from premium Italian leather and a custom timber presentation box.
$1,400.00
In stock
Leading up to William Fairbairn designing the iconic F-S fighting knife at Wilkinson Sword Co, it is believed he had several ‘prototypes’ made using obsolete 1888 Lee-Metford and 1903 pattern bayonets (hence the name Metford-Fairbairn). They were legitimate fighting knives used by Commandos and SOE/OSS agents and continued to be made in small numbers throughout the war.
The bayonets were cut down to roughly 8 inches, precisely ground and fitted with a cross-guard and F-S style grip. Attaching the grip was done by either welding on a section of steel to the bayonets tang or leaving the tang short and pinning the grip assembly in place. In these rarer versions, the top nuts were false and the handle unscrewed to reveal a cavity inside. Original examples would have contained a lethal cyanide capsule, giving them the name ‘Suicide Dagger’.
The difficulty in making a suicide version was considerably high and needed an experienced craftsman to correctly convert the bayonet. The remaining 4-inch tip would not be discarded but made into a discreet thumb dagger.
Specifications
Blade Steel: 1888 Lee-Metford Bayonet, date of issue March 1897
Blade Length: 196mm / 7.7 inches
Handle Type: Brass FS style grip with screw apart design for ‘L’ pill; Course knurling, black oxide finish
Cross Guard: Oval with thumb relief front and back
Thumb Dagger: 100mm length bayonet tip, copper wire wrap
Sheath Type: Premium Italian leather, belt carry, retaining strap; Antique copper press stud, thumb dagger pouch
Box: Custom Timber Presentation Box
In Victoria, prohibited weapons which include daggers are heavily regulated under the Control of Weapons Act 1990 and Control of Weapons Regulations 2021. Purchasing or selling these items without a specific Governor in Council Exemption Order (GIC) or Chief Commissioner’s Approval (CCP) is illegal within Victoria.