The V-42: the devil brigade knife

[azrael99]

The V-42 Stiletto was a stiletto and fighting knife issued during World War II to the First Special Service Force (1st SSF, aka Devil's Brigade), a joint Canadian/American commando unit.


I talked to a gunsmith who had a official licence to make special forces knifes and he still made V-42 knifes for soldier. He only sold those knife to member of those teams

i also watched a video of a veteran talking about it and how effective it was again German soldiers.

i would love to own one, but since original one are way to expensive and official models are only sold to real special forces, i don't have many options

i know Hanswei make a replica of it but i don't know about the quality of it.


anyone know where i can get a good replica ?

[the_alias]

Looks like a cheap rip off of Fairbairn-Sykes Commando knife/fighting knife.

[skelco]

Looks like a cheap rip off of Fairbairn-Sykes Commando knife/fighting knife.

there were a number of similar knives used/issued. the Fairbairn-Sykes just got more press

[azrael99]

you talk about that Hanswei knife or the real original ?

i can't be sure it wasn't based on it, it was actually pretty well designed so there is no surprise to see adapted models of it and since the devil brigade proved their effectiveness with that knife who became their symbols i don't think you can call it a [u]cheap knocked off knife[/u].

[Fletch]

The V-42 is basically an F-S copy : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairbairn- ... ting_Knife

[JohnnyMayhem]

Doesn't Case still make this?

[azrael99]

i don't know, i'm just looking for a nice model, well made to own one.

his effectiveness within the devil brigade and my Canadian heritage push me to get one.

[azrael99]

To close all comment about : this is just a knocked off Fairbairn

that the actual quote from wikipedia

Based on the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife designed by William E. Fairbairn and Eric A. Sykes, the Fighting Commando Knife, Type V-42 used a narrow-profile, double-edged stiletto blade made of high carbon steel.[1]
The V-42 was primarily designed by officers of the FSSF, including its Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick, who desired a combat knife that could be used to silently eliminate enemy soldiers as well as perform the role of a close-quarters combat knife.[1][2] The blade's design has been attributed to Col. Fredericks, who had encountered the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife while on duty in England.[1] While the V-42 had a double-edged blade like that of the Fairbairn-Sykes knife, it had a narrower stiletto blade profile designed to optimize penetration when used for thrusting, and the V-42 could easily penetrate a G.I. steel helmet and liner with a single thrust.[1] With its relatively thin, narrow blade, the V-42 was designed from the outset for use as a fighting knife, and was consequently prone to breakage when used for utility chores such as opening ration tins or ammunition crates. Unusual for military combat knives of the period, the V-42's twin edges were double hollow-ground for increased cutting performance.[1] The addition of the skull-crushing pommel was attributed to the input of Major Orval J. Baldwin, the FSSF Supply Officer.[1] The thumb groove on the V-42's ricasso was designed to promote a flat grip with the thumb over the crossguard, which positioned the double-edged blade horizontally. In this manner a Forceman could slash an opponent with either a forehand or backhand stroke, while ensuring that his blade would slip between the ribs when used in a thrust or stab.[1][2]


V-42 Stiletto
The V-42 was manufactured in the United States by Case.[3] After a series of leg injuries incurred during training, the original leather sheath was reinforced in later versions with a metal tip designed to prevent the needle-like tip from penetrating the sheath.[3][2] Since the force was originally trained for fighting in cold weather conditions, the sheath was designed long, so as to hang beneath the

bottom of a G.I. parka.[4]

yes it's based on the Fairbairn knife, as 3/5 assault model are based on the M16

that doesn't mean they are bad or ill conceived. just mean that they used a design it work to make their model. that quite a compliment to the original that it!!

[Kutter_0311]

I don't think anyone meant to slander the V-42. Lots of common features, and I'm sure plenty of other units had knives very similar made for them. I think the Marine Raiders had something close, too.

[dallas]

I have a V42. It is surprisingly small. Boker makes one that is suposed to be pretty good.

http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/BOP ... n=BOP02072

[azrael99]

i knew that boker also make a replica. but i don't know between boker and Hanswei which one is the best model.

it will depend of the material used and the temper.

is there any other model available ?

[ninja-elbow]

In general, Hanwei and Boker make above average stuff. I own neither knife but my Hanwei Danish axe is pretty nice for a knock-off wall hanger axe.

[KentsOkay]

I would love to have one to, or just a FS.

My mom worked for a guy who said he was in the Devil's Brigade. This post sparked me into looking him up, and his story checks out, he was in "Special Service Detachment". Is that OSS?
http://www.freewebs.com/tuckerstroopers/orderofbattle1945.htm
Sadly I also found his obituary, I had wanted to meet the man. My mom said he was blind in one eye (before entering service) and fluent in German, and either found or helped translate the recovered German diary describing them as "devils". Then he became a veterinarian, so when people asked if he was a vet he could answer yes and always be correct

[RickOShea]

I don't think anyone meant to slander the V-42.

Could've fooled me.

[dkr02]

Case used to make the v-42, in fact came out with two issues of it. However, they are now collectors items and bring $300+ on the market. I had a first issue Case, and decided to sell it. Wanting to replace that type knife in my collection, I chose to get the Boker variation, due to Boker's reputation. In comparison, the handle is shorter, blade is dull blued, and the sheath is good quality, and as issued, while the Case sheath is not historically correct. I did quite a bit of research on the Boker versus the Hanwei, and it seems like there was some quality issues with the Hanwei, so this decided the issue. I feel that the Boker for the money is the best choice for those wanting the V-42. My 2 cents...

slik

[azrael99]

good review thanks for you opinion

[dallas]

Boker

[azrael99]

it look great!

[Turtlewolf]

Most Boker replicas are made in China, is this one as well? I haven't been impressed with any Boker replicas I've handled and honestly in the picture this one looks just as cheap as the others.
Don't get me wrong, I buy Chinese, but there is quality then there is WTF is this steel?

[azrael99]

i tried to get info about the steel but can't find anything.

[Smü]

The one pictured above is from the "Böker Plus" - line. Tactical / fighting stuff.

http://www.boker.de/fahrtenmesser/boeke ... O1942.html

Though on the german site, this is the standard one they are selling. Text says coated carbon steel SK5.

I may also add that they still make a lot of their knives in their site here in germany. If the blade says "Böker" or "Böker Plus", chances are it's made in Germany.

[azrael99]

sk5 ? that perfect to me. i love that steel.

[KentsOkay]

The one pictured above is from the "Böker Plus" - line. Tactical / fighting stuff.

http://www.boker.de/fahrtenmesser/boeke ... O1942.html

Though on the german site, this is the standard one they are selling. Text says coated carbon steel SK5.

I may also add that they still make a lot of their knives in their site here in germany. If the blade says "Böker" or "Böker Plus", chances are it's made in Germany.

How much of a market for American/British/Allied forces memorabilia is there? I know there is a strong market here for old German stuff.

OT, do want!

[Smü]

I honestly don't know in detail.

A dagger is a no-no to carry anyways, so any fighting knife based on the V42 or F-S design are collector's items to start with. Given that those types of knives are in the catalogues for as long as I can remember, there seems to be a market big enough to advertise.

Additionally, you can find memorabilia stuff on the 'bay as well as at the gun shows over here.