The V-42: the devil brigade knife

[Turtlewolf]

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.

It clearly states on other sights that this is a Taiwanese import, just as many of the other Boker Plus knives. The M3 Fighting Knife (also made in the USA from good 1095 steel) that is made by Boker is also Taiwanese and costs almost twice at retail of the OKC version.
I honestly haven't seen a single Boker knife lately that was any quality at all and for the record SK5 is the same as 1085, a cheaper more cost effective carbon steel than 1095/1095CV but SK5 is frequently lauded as some super steel and it isn't. There is no reason for a knife made of cheap SK5/1085 to cost more than one made of good 1095/1095CV.
There are also no restrictions to a double edged knife in Canadian law.

[dkr02]

I think that honestly, the Boker and Hanwei are comprable in quality, however, the quality contrrol issues with the Hanwei is what leaned me towards the Boker. There were numerous accounts of blade angle being grinded off center, and I hope that Hanwei has corrected this. If you shop the Boker, you can get a decent price on it. That being said, the knife is to me something more for my collection than for actual use. I also have n original FS WWII issued knife, and to me the knives are very similar, with the balance and handling going a little more to the FS- just a little comfortable knife, both knives tho have only a single purpose- dispatching an enemy. For someone that has to carry a dagger, there are better selections out there than these two- the Gerber mark II being one. Dagger style, more robust blade, better grip and handling... again, my 2 cents

slik

[Storm Crow]

I honestly haven't seen a single Boker knife lately that was any quality at all and for the record SK5 is the same as 1085, a cheaper more cost effective carbon steel than 1095/1095CV but SK5 is frequently lauded as some super steel and it isn't. There is no reason for a knife made of cheap SK5/1085 to cost more than one made of good 1095/1095CV.

There shouldn't bee that much difference in performance between 1084/1085 and 1095. 1095 is hypereutectic and needs a bit more control in the heat treatment to bring out it qualities to the utmost, whereas 1084 is a simpler heat treatment with excellent results, but that's more on the handmade end of things.

So you're right, there shouldn't be much difference in cost from 1084 to 1095 and both should perform quite well if treated properly. Modified versions of said alloys I can't comment on.

[Turtlewolf]

I honestly haven't seen a single Boker knife lately that was any quality at all and for the record SK5 is the same as 1085, a cheaper more cost effective carbon steel than 1095/1095CV but SK5 is frequently lauded as some super steel and it isn't. There is no reason for a knife made of cheap SK5/1085 to cost more than one made of good 1095/1095CV.

There shouldn't bee that much difference in performance between 1084/1085 and 1095. 1095 is hypereutectic and needs a bit more control in the heat treatment to bring out it qualities to the utmost, whereas 1084 is a simpler heat treatment with excellent results, but that's more on the handmade end of things.

So you're right, there shouldn't be much difference in cost from 1084 to 1095 and both should perform quite well if treated properly. Modified versions of said alloys I can't comment on.

Exactly Stormcrow, the SK5/1084/1085 is an easier steel to work with than 1095 but frequently the blades cost just as much or more. I like the SK5/1085, I realy do as it's a tough as hell steel that is cost effective if you buy the Kabar version. Performance wise?
Well, I can't realy tell any difference between SK5/1085/1095/1095CV/Carbon V except that my Carbon V (I love this steel) rusts if you look at it funky.

[azrael99]

for those saying that this is a piece for collector though the quality of the steel is not that important.

i do NOT collect decoration object that look like a knife or a sword. i collect practical tools/weapons. even though i will maybe never use it i want to have the feeling that i could trust it to be used.

[Turtlewolf]

for those saying that this is a piece for collector though the quality of the steel is not that important.

i do NOT collect decoration object that look like a knife or a sword. i collect practical tools/weapons. even though i will maybe never use it i want to have the feeling that i could trust it to be used.

This design is practical as a combat knife, my only concern would be the thin profile may make it prone to snapping.
EDIT:A cruciform spike might be a good thrusting blade as well.

[Storm Crow]

Exactly Stormcrow, the SK5/1084/1085 is an easier steel to work with than 1095 but frequently the blades cost just as much or more. I like the SK5/1085, I realy do as it's a tough as hell steel that is cost effective if you buy the Kabar version. Performance wise?
Well, I can't realy tell any difference between SK5/1085/1095/1095CV/Carbon V except that my Carbon V (I love this steel) rusts if you look at it funky.

If you're sticking with fairly plain Jane materials on a knife, the cost of materials is the smallest cost of the knife. 1095 takes a bit more to heat treat, but not that much more (10 minute soak time at temperature versus an immediate quench), but being done in big batches, not that big of a difference.

Just saying that it doesn't surprise me that the costs would be similar or even higher for a 1084/5 blade; at that level there are other factors involved that will make a bigger difference.

For a stilletto that is an updated version of the Fairbairn-Sykes, seems like a pretty good design. Given its application and it's design considerations, it will be somewhat limited in tasks it handles well, but it should poke a really nasty hole in a kidney if the need arrises. Or shatter a temple right nicely with that pommel.

[Turtlewolf]

Okay, I stand corrected .

[dkr02]

With the dagger conversation going on, it should be noted that the V42 got pretty heavy use by the guys in the First Special Service Force, and they seemed to hold up well. Don't recall any vet stories about the knife failing in use. Between the FS and the V42, I personally lean towards the V42 for more general use- seems a little more robust and user friendly. I think the knife would hold up if called upon for use. My 2 cents...

slik

[dallas]

The only problem the had in combat was with the original tip. It was very pointed and 1/8 inch or so would break of when you hit bone. They filled the point to a more blunt profile and had no more problems. Even reprofiled, it was very sharp and pointed.

Some owners even filled the point down without it breaking to keep it from sticking in bones and being hard to pull out.

Even with that minor problem, you could trust your life with it. It was still functional with a broken tip. Once reshaped, you did not have to worry about that.

As a kid,I knew a couple of old guys that carried these knives during WWII. I wish I had written down their stories.

[shoggoth80]

Do want! First thought when looking at the pic was "that's an an FS design.' Didn't know thhe history behind the model. Looks brutally effective. @

[azrael99]

i heard something one day about that: "if the devil himself would carry a dagger it would be something like that"

this is about the Fayrbain but since they are similar what this badass veterant say also apply to the V-42
and i found a video about the Hanwei replica