Pieter van der Westhuizen Fairbairn-Sykes - Black Ivory Wood Handle w/Leather Sheath

A classic Fairbairn Sykes Commando knife, a double-edged dagger made famous during World War II when issued to British Commandos, the Airborne Forces and the SAS, today the legacy is acknowledged by many other special operation units. Pieter's iteration is accurate to the original blade design, a double-edged ground blade with a unique piece of black wood, considered one of the hardest and densest trees in the world, consequently 'ivory' in the name. Also includes a hand tooled cow leather belt sheath, each sheath individually made. Ideal for a military collection and enthusiasts who appreciate excellent craftsmanship with legacy.

Custom Knifemaker: Pieter van der Westhuizen
Design: Fairbairn Sykes - #24045
Double-Edged Dagger
Guard & Pommel: Stainless Steel
Custom Belt Sheath: Black, Handstitched Cow Leather

Custom Knifemaker Profile: Pieter van der Westhuizen
I started making knives in 1989 and have been doing it full-time since 1996. The styles I make are mostly utility, hunting fixed blades, pocket and tactical folders, daggers and kitchen knives.

The preferred blade-steel is Sandvik 12C27 which has good edge holding and re-sharpening capabilities. Handle materials include indigenous hardwoods, animal horns, bone and warthog ivory. The bolster material if used, is brass or stainless steel. Combinations of horn and wood are also popular and feature on my gents folders. Sheaths are from veg tanned cowhide and are included with the knife.

All fixed blade knives are made from 3mm Sandvik 12c27 for the blade. Blades are hollow ground, heat treated to 57/58 Rockwell scale and hand sanded to a satin finish. Handles are attached using epoxy and pins and then finished to fit the hand comfortably. Sheaths are then custom made for each knife. The blade-steel on folders is 2.5mm Sandvik 12c27 and all are of locking design using stainless spring-steel for the locking liner and 304 stainless steel for the other. The knives are held together with standard metric machine screws for ease of maintenance and care.

Pieter van der Westhuizen makes mostly utility, hunting fixed blades, pocket and tactical folders, daggers and kitchen knives.