V-42 Stiletto

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The V-42 Stiletto was a stiletto issued during World War II to the Devil's Brigade commandos.

V-42 StilettoCredit: John Gibson
V-42 Stiletto
Credit: John Gibson

Contents

[edit] History

USASF insignia featuring the V-42
USASF insignia featuring the V-42

In his book Allied Military Fighting Knives: And The Men Who Made Them Famous, author Robert Buerlein states the following:

“ The nomenclature on this quartermaster form would lead us to believe that the proper name of this knife is the "Fighting Commando Knife, Type V-42" or converting U.S. Army nomenclature into "English", "V-42 Commando Fighting Knife". Although this may be the proper name, somewhere along the way the knife started being referred to as the "V-42 Stiletto" and this what it is called today, correctly or incorrectly. Possibly the "42" stood for 1942, the year of the design and the "V" for "Victory". ”
 
— Robert Buerlein

[1]

The V-42 was designed in part by the commanding officer of the brigade, Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick. Every part of the knife was made with the intent of combat. This knife was the trademark weapon of the Devil's Brigade, and its members were trained extensively in the use of this knife. The profile of this knife is the one pictured on the crest of the US Army Special Forces.[2]

V-42 StilettoCredit: Olof Janson
V-42 Stiletto
Credit: Olof Janson

The V-42 was originally manufactured in the United States by W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.. 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, unit members purposely dulled the tip of these knives to minimize its habit of embedding into bone and becoming difficult to withdraw.

[edit] Specifications

The V-42 weighs seven ounces, with a seven inch blade and five and one-half inch handle, with a total length of twelve and a half inches. Its features include a sharp blade, sturdy handle with a skull-cracking butt.[3]

[edit] Reproductions

A replica version, based upon the original, is now being made by swordsmith Paul Chen and sold through Hanwei.[4] A custom hand-made version made of CPM S30V steel and stacked leather washers with a titanium pommel is offered by Strider Knives of San Marcos, California.[5] Smith Tactical Systems offers an updated version of the V-42, including a thicker blade and kydex sheath.[6] Previous reproductions include one by W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. manufactured in the 1980s and discontinued in 1993.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ (Buerlein. 2002.p 101)
  2. ^ Johnson, Danny M.. Knife, Fighting, Commando Type, V-42: The Original Special Forces Knife. Army History Research. Retrieved on 02/07/2008.
  3. ^ US Military Knives - V42
  4. ^ Hanwei - V42
  5. ^ Evolving edges: Strider knives get better and badder!, Pat Covert, American Handgunner Magazine, January-February 2005
  6. ^ Smith Tactical - V-42

[edit] Further reading

  • Buerlein, Robert. (2002). Allied Military Fighting Knives: And The Men Who Made Them Famous. Paladin Press. ISBN 1581602901
  • Flook, Ron. (1999). British and Commonwealth Military Knives. Howell Press Inc. ISBN 1574270923
  • Walker, Greg. (1993). Battle Blades: A Professional's Guide To Combat/Fighting Knives. Paladin Press. ISBN 0873647327

[edit] External links