A New First Pattern FS

After only a few weeks wait time I received a package from the Egginton Group in Sheffield, UK.  I had ordered a First Pattern knife from them. This is a fairly new model from their custom shop, part of their “Collectable Knives” series.  First impressions are very favorable. The packaging was robust ensuring that it arrived in undamaged condition. Inside the shipping box was a finely appointed cardboard box which set the expectations that the knife inside would be equally as elegant. Indeed I was not disappointed. Inside the box is a paper wrapped booklet briefly describing the history of the cutlery firms which compose the Egginton Group. The booklet also included a certificate of authenticity. Now, let’s get on to reviewing the piece de’ resistance, the knife.

 

There are some anomalies, but only someone reasonably familiar with the World War Two version would probably notice. The nicely ground and symmetrical blade is one inch wide at the ricasso and seven and one quarter inches long. That is a trifle longer than most originals. It is approximately 3/16 inches thick. World War Two versions are a full ¼ inch thick and usually under seven inches long. Still the knife has a nice balance and heft to it. One thing I found ironic is the blade profile is closer to an X-dagger than a Wilkinson. The original specification calls for a blade with a straight taper from the guard to the tip. The ricasso, which is a little longer than normal, is nearly parallel sided, whose taper then increases to the tip. Unlike many originals this blade is sharp, a decided improvement.  I am especially pleased with the etchings on the ricasso. Both are typical of the World War Two originals with the exception of Joseph Rodgers replacing the Wilkinson name. Nicely done!

Handle and two inch wide “S” guard are both beautifully plated and traditional in form. The serial number of this knife is cleanly stamped on the upper surface of the guard. The sheath, the sheath is a breath of fresh air! After decades of complaining about crappy sheaths this one is superb. It is a very snug fit and has a lovely plated chape identical to the originals. Snap and strap retention is very nice too. Kudos to the sheath makers! WW-II knife top, Rodgers knife bottom.

Is it a perfect rendition? No, but my final assessment is that I am very well pleased with the knife, despite any of the minor anomalies listed.  It is perhaps one of the finest Factory- Made First Pattern knives since those made by the H.G. Long Company a few years back. It is destined to become a collector’s item based on the Joseph Rodgers mark alone. The only fault I would point out is the lack of definition in the region where the ricasso blends into the blade’s bevels. This is typical of a machine ground blade, although these may be hand ground.  It is a knife of excellent quality and the extra efforts taken in the finish and presentation of it make a very favorable impression.  Congratulations to the Egginton Group craftsmen for a job well done.

 

Somewhat as an afterthought I have added a few photos which compare the ricasso areas of an original and also a Paul MacDonald First Pattern and a Peter Parkinson (very early) first Pattern (middle) along with the Rodgers knife. The variations in original WW-II knives are almost as stark as these three modern knives exhibit. The two by MacDonald and Parkinson have thicker blades. With original WW-II First Patterns selling in the $2,000 range, knives by any of these makers; MacDonald, Parkinson or Egginton, are a bargain.