Smatchet


A smatchet is a short, heavy fighting knife in overall length. 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 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