The most amazing fixed blade knife produced in 2014 in our eyes, is the Böker Special Run Applegate Combat Century Edition. This is one of many versions of the Böker Rex Applegate Fairbairn-Sykes daggers; this particular specimen commemorating Rex Applegates 100th birthday (1914-1998). It is not often we'd pick a collector's item as a winner, but I'd argue that this knife is priced low enough that you'd use it without remorse. This knife is über polished and carries the usual signatures and Böker tree mark and comes in a luxurious box.
Here's the official description from Böker:
Col. Applegate himself
The connection between Colonel Rex Applegate (1914-1998) and Böker represents a milestone in Böker's history, and the Böker Applegate-Fairbairn in all its versions has made the Böker name exceedingly popular, and firmly established the brand in the modern tactical knife scene. On his 100th birthday, we wish to pay tribute to Col. Rex Applegate for his contributions to Böker by issuing a specially limited anniversary edition, the Applegate Century series. Selected materials and steel, including a selection of special model version make the Applegate Century series into a genuine treat for all friends of exclusive tactical knives. Of course, the Applegate Century series will not do without the original model, true to the motto "how it all began". The rosewood scales with the anniversary emblem, the polished blade made from the American-made 154CM blade steel, and the polished stainless steel pommel, give the forefather of modern tactical knives a refined and exceedingly exclusive appearance. The special anniversary lettering on the blade give permanence to the festive occasion. Shipped with premium leather sheath and custom anniversary packaging. Limited to 199 copies. (Produced in two strictly limited series at 199 copies each, one for Europe, and one for the USA). Overall length 27,2 cm. Blade 15 cm. Weight 245 g.
Another similarly limited edition Applegate-Fairbairn dagger is the 5.5 dagger which happens to be a very similar, but shorter design also with palisander wood scales - this one is a collaboration between Böker and Bill Harsey who happened to win last years Beautiful Fixed Blade award with his Spartan Harsey Model II.
Images courtesy of Heinnie Hayes
Images courtesy of Heinnie Hayes
An original Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife.
