Defendu Fighting System-Sykes-Fairbairn Commando knife
Defendu Fighting System-Sykes-Fairbairn Commando knife
Not all fighting/defense systems are equal. I want to discuss Defendu, it’s history, the Sykes-Fairbairn knife and how they are used.
Lt. Colonel William E. Fairbairn worked with the Shanghai Military Police for thirty years. During this time he made an in depth study of every known form of close combat. He tested his findings and methods against criminals many who were armed.
Working with Eric Anthony Sykes, these two men developed Defendu a modern martial arts system. It is a system based in hand to close-quarter, hand-to-hand combat. Defendu has roots in jutjitsu and judo. Fairbain trained at the famed Kodokan School in Tokyo. Combining his training with his police work experience and with the help of Eric Anthony Sykes, developed a simple to learn style that provided effective results.
The Defendu system was geared primarily self defense. There was a lethal version of this system that was highly effective taught at European Commando Schools, US marines, US Rangers, CIA and FBI. Most military combat training had its start in Defendu practices. Many police agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada have adopted Defendu including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In the early 1940's these two men designed the standard commando knife. By 1941 this knife was standard issue for British Commonwealth forces and many US forces. It was simply known as "The Commando Knife" This commando knife style was directly designed from the Defendu system. The design has influenced the design of knives throughout the many decades since its introduction.
The Sykes-Fairbairn Commando knife often is compared to a stiletto, a weapon optimized for thrusting, although the Sykes-Fairbairn knife is capable of being used for both thrusting and slashing (cutting). The Sykes-Fairbairn Fighting Knifes design is exclusively for surprise attack and fighting. The slender double edged blade blade can easily penetrate the ribcage and is integral to its design. The vase handle style gives a precise grip to give the wielder control during the attack. Here is what Fairbanks had to say about his knife:
"In close-quarters fighting there is no more deadly weapon than the knife. In choosing a knife there are two important factors to bear in mind: balance and keenness. The hilt should fit easily in your hand, and the blade should not be so heavy that it tends to drag the hilt from your fingers in a loose grip. It is essential that the blade have a sharp stabbing point and good cutting edges, because an artery torn through (as against a clean cut) tends to contract and stop the bleeding. If a main artery is cleanly severed, the wounded man will quickly lose consciousness and die.
This was the practical and effective Defendu "kill or get killed" approach.
There is something about a weapon that is both functional and pleasing to the eye at the same time. Where the weapon possesses admirable qualities of both form and function, then it's appeal is all the greater overall. This is the Sykes-fairbairn Commando Knife.
Our Sykes-Fairbairn Commando Knife World War II replica is a authentic detailed, well put together commando knife.
Our knife is 15-1/4" long with a Sharp double edged 440 stainless blade. The blade is 7-1/2" long and top beveled as were the originals. The hand fitting ferruled blackened metal grip handles is solid steel grooved for the perfect grip. Comes on a nylon woven belt sheath.
I give the Sykes-Fairbairn knife my stump of approval
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