Applegate-Fairbairn Boot Knife #003

Overview

This version is smaller than the original and features a concave back blade. Based on an ancient Japanese spear design, this small and light boot knife is superior in penetration and slashing. When the retired Colonel Rex Applegate handed Boker the prints and design notes for the famous combat knife bearing his name and that of his partner, British Captain W.E. Fairbairn, Boker vowed to stay true to the genius of the original mode, stringently following the original design specifications, with allowances only for the latest in modern materials. The result is the perfect fusion of form and function: The Applegate-Fairbairn Fighting knife from Boker. Its history is compelling: During WWII, commando instructors Applegate and Fairbairn were both assigned to the OSS, the Office of Strategic Services, where they collaborated to improve the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife, designed for serious hand to hand combat. Boker's reissue of the Applegate-Fairbairn Fighting knife uses the fiberglass-reinforced Delrin handle, thickened in the center for a sure grip. A lanyard hole adds convenience. The handle meets a short, forward bending cross guard that protects the fingers. Boker achieved the knife's preferred rearward balance by inserting lead weights into the handle--a beautifully ergonomic design. Struck of Solingen 440C stainless steel hardened to a Rockwell 58, the blade has the signatures of Rex Applegate and W.E. Fairbairn etched into the bead-blasted finish. Made in Germany. Comes with original box, papers, sheath, bill of sale dated 5/25/98 and a letter from Rex Applegate that says "Bill, I suggest you not use and keep as a collector's item" Excellent condition.