thumb|upright=1.35|Smatchet lodged in wood

A smatchet is a short, heavy fighting knife in overall length (including grip). It was designed by William E. Fairbairn during World War II.

Design

Though described in the Office of Strategic Services catalogue as a cross between a machete and a bolo, it was actually based on the Royal Welch Fusiliers Trench Knife of World War I, and was designed as a pure combat knife. It has a broad, leaf-shaped blade sharpened the full length on one side, and from the tip to half of the other side. The entire blade is coated with a dull matte finish to prevent detection at night from stray reflections.

Use

According to Fairbairn, the smatchet was an ideal close-combat weapon for those not armed with a rifle and bayonet:

The smatchet was used by British and American special forces (Special Air Service and Office of Strategic Services, respectively) during World War II.

In the late 1980s, Rex Applegate licensed a modified version of the smatchet he and Fairbairn designed late in World War II. He called it the "Applegate-Fairbairn Combat Smatchet".

Manufacturers

  • Al Mar Knives
  • APOC Survival Tools
  • Applegate-Fairbairn
  • Böker
  • Cold Steel
  • Sniper Bladeworks
  • United Cutlery
  • W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.
  • Wells Creek Knife & Gun Works
  • Windlass Steelcraft

See also

  • Applegate–Fairbairn fighting knife
  • Barong (sword)
  • BC-41
  • Corvo
  • Eric A. Sykes
  • Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife
  • Kukri
  • Pattern 1907 bayonet

References

Further reading

  • Fairbairn, W. E. (Lt. Col.), Get Tough!, 1942, (1999 reprint)