X-Daggers

A couple of us are getting together to explore the topic of WW-II Fairbairn Sykes style prototypes, often referred to as X-Daggers or Metford Fairbairns. If you have any information or photos you'd like to share, email me at ghdave2@hotmail.com These knives were made from metford 1888 and 1903 bayonet blades. They usually have remnants of the bayonet markings on the ricasso and are larger than a standard First Pattern knife. I have attached a photo to give you a reference. There is a lot of controversy over the legitimacy of these knives and whether they are WW-II era or post-war fakes. Our group believes they are genuine and are going to great lengths to find any information we can. The knives are also affiliated with the STS 103 or Camp-X training facility that was established in Canada near Oshawa, east of Toronto. please check out my website for more information and photos. http://www.fairbairnsykesfightingknives.com/

I have a new knife to share with you, which for a change is not a Fairbairn Sykes, which is an excellent fighting knife. A couple months ago I was instantly excited when I saw an example of this knife for sale. Unfortunately it sold before I could speak for it. About 3 years ago I designed a very similar knife and submitted it to two friends, but for one reason or another, a finished knife never resulted. So when I saw this one I inquired of Ben Tendick if he would make me a copy. He said it would be a month or two wait and I gave him the go-ahead. It arrived sooner than that although the exact delivery time slips my mind. I am extremely pleased with this small Bowie! Ben’s creation fits the purpose I had in mind and my only regret is not having him sharpen the swedge. No big deal I could do it if I desire since he brought the back edge down to within 1/32 inch or less. The edge is well sharpened, unlike a few custom knives I have bought in the past. The handle fit is fine for my smallish hands and the contoured micarta scales feel good and provide great retention. A well-made, snug-fitting, kydex sheath accompanied it. Great knife, quick delivery, what else could you ask for? Ben plans on becoming a full-time maker and I think the knife-world will be a better place for that. Check out his website and see the gorgeous traditional bowie featured on his opening page. Thanks for the knife Ben and I’ll be back for another knife I’m sure. check out his work at http://www.brtbladeworks.com/

Life & Death

Yesterday was my brother's funeral. He died early Monday morning, age 58, very unexpectedly. Death is often, for some reason, an unexpected event. We all know its coming from the day we are born but we manage to put the idea away in the back of our mind until...... He and I had become closer in the past few years and I would often go visit and

we'd discuss the same sort of things I talk about on here, political issues and about guns, knives, swords, etc. I inherited from him Dad's Vietnam and Korean service medals. With each successive death in the family I have inherited more of what once belonged to my dad. Not exactly the way I want it to happen. Now I am the last one in our small family and the things I have accumulated will be passed down to my daughter when it is my time.

I told my wife how can I start a revolution without my brother. LOL. We were co-conspirators the like of which this frivolous government worries about, and wastes time over, looking for monsters under their beds. We were from an Army family and raised to cherish freedom, honor America, and fight for liberty and the ideals this nation was founded on. Sometimes I wonder if the very idea of a "Volunteer" military didn't blur the lines between patriotism and mercenary pursuits. we used to discuss the changes we were seeing sweeping across this nation and the inevitable rise of the State over the rights of the individual. Well I guess he'll have to align himself now with the armies of a different Lord. I will miss him and all of those who knew him will too. He lived a laid-back life with his wife, children, two dogs and a coop full of chickens. Not the sort of immortal warrior you would expect if you were looking for a freedom fighter. No capes, no flying though the air, or fanfare, just a brother who died too soon. We are our brother's keeper. I'll miss you Kim. Kim on the left, me on the right.