The Australian SAS uses a variety of knives, historically including the iconic Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) Commando Knife and the Golok (a jungle machete), while modern usage involves specialized knives like the ZU Bladeworx H2HFW (Nomad Mk4) for the wider Army and potentially bespoke or other tactical folders like Spyderco or Honey Badger for personal preference, reflecting mission needs and a mix of historical and contemporary options.
Soldiers are armed with a variety of weapons systems depending on what the mission dictates. These include the M4A1 carbine (designated as the M4A5 in Australia), which is used as their primary weapon. The shortened version of the M4, known as the Mk 18 CQBR, is also used.
The SAS uses various knives, historically famous for the Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) fighting knife in WWII, but modern SAS members utilize a range of specialized blades, including the robust Golok machete for jungle ops, potentially the UKSF knife, and possibly specific modern designs like the Wildsteer SAS dagger, depending on the mission's needs for utility, survival, or close combat.
Today, the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife may still be used by some special forces units, and it is also popular among collectors and enthusiasts of military history and edged weapons. Conclusion: The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife is an iconic combat knife that has played an important role in military history.
The knife was made famous during the War when issued to British Commandos, including the SAS. Although the Fairbairn-Sykes knife is now of interest mainly to collectors, its sleek lines and commando associations means it still remains in production today.
Navy SEALs use a variety of knives, but officially issued knives include the Ontario Mark 3 Mod 0 (a standard for decades) and the Cold Steel SRK (often used in BUDS training), while many operators also carry high-end personal choices like Emerson or Strider folders, balancing durability, corrosion resistance, and combat effectiveness for marine environments.
Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) and UK Special Forces (UKSF) commonly use Leatherman multi-tools, specifically models like the Wave+, often chosen for their robust, versatile designs tested for demanding operational environments, with Leatherman even offering special military versions. While specific issued models can vary, Leatherman provides a range of tools with features like pliers, knives, and drivers essential for on-duty or off-duty use in the field, according to information from Elite UK Forces and Leatherman's own military collection.
Members of the SAS are variously known as "blade" or "operator". Each patrol within a troop consists of four members, with each member possessing a particular skill e.g. signals, demolition, medic or linguist in addition to basic skills learned during the course of his training.
The SASR and Australian Commandos are sometimes referred to as 'Tier 1' Special Forces (SF) units because they are the units usually tasked with direct action.
Small arms. An Australian Army soldier engages a target with an EF88 Austeyr rifle during combat shooting serials. The enhanced F88 (or EF88) Austeyr rifle is an exceptional weapon characterised by superior lethality, accuracy, ergonomics, reliability and modularity.
Small arms
Australian Army soldier fires the Self-Loading Pistol 9mm Mark 3. The Self-Loading Pistol 9 millimetre Mark 3 is a short-recoil operated and magazine-fed weapon able to produce semi-automatic fire.
Ballistic Knives: The Most Restricted Blades
While many knife types that were once heavily restricted, such as switchblades and gravity knives, have become legal in a growing number of states, there is one category that remains more tightly regulated than almost any other. This is the ballistic knife.
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Neither SAS nor SBS is definitively "more elite"; they are equally elite but specialized, with the SAS focusing on land/air and the SBS on maritime/amphibious roles, both part of the UK's UK Special Forces (UKSF) and sharing the same rigorous Joint Special Forces Selection process, with SBS adding extra maritime training like swimmer-canoeist skills. Think of them as the Army's and Navy's top-tier counterparts within the same elite special forces framework.
Leatherman excels with heavy-duty pliers and one-handed access, ideal for rugged tasks, while Victorinox offers finer craftsmanship, better rust resistance, and more tool variety (especially non-plier tools like scissors/awls) with two-handed operation, making it great for general EDC and finer work; the choice depends on prioritizing pliers (Leatherman) vs. overall tool range/finish (Victorinox).
The SAS is a secret organisation. Its members often do not tell anyone except close family that they are in it.
Combat knifes
The Zu Bladeworx H2HFW (Nomad Mk4) combat knife designated the F7 was rolled out in 2025 as part of the Land 300 Lethality Program.
There isn't one single "current" SAS knife, as their needs evolve, but they famously use updated versions of the iconic Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) Commando Dagger, alongside modern combat knives like the Wildsteer SAS Dagger, and potentially specialized blades such as the Honey Badger or custom designs, blending historical legacy with contemporary tactical requirements for close-quarters combat and survival.
Yes. Benchmade makes some of the most durable knives available. The blades are made from high-quality steel and premium handle components and hardware.
So just take general care of this blade and it could last you for a lifetime. I recommend simply wiping your knife down occasionally with a little bit of mineral oil on a soft rag paying particular attention to wiping down the edge. The SRK has a clip point.