V-42 combat knife

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The V-42 combat knife is a specialty knife used solely by the Devil's Brigade. It was designed in part by the commanding officer of the brigade, Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick. Every part of the knife was intended to kill: the sharp blade, the sturdy handle and the skull-cracking butt of the knife. This knife was the trademark weapon of the Devil's Brigade, and its members were trained extensively in use of the knife.

The V-42 was manufactured in the United States by the Case cutlery Company. The original leather sheath was reinforced by the troops to include a metal tip, so that the sharp blade would no longer penetrate through and cut their legs. It was worn low on the leg, for easier access. After use in the field against the Germans, many FSSF members purposely dulled the tip of these knives to minimize its habit of imbedding into bone and becoming awkward to withdraw.

The V-42 weighed seven ounces, the blade was seven inches and handle being five and a half inches, thus the overall length of the V-42 being twelve and a half inches.

A replica version, true to the original, is now being made by Paul Chen, an American knifemaker.