First Special Service Force
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Forum Home > S4, Supplies & logistics, FSSF HQ > The V-42

papajoad
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Posts: 22 		by Steven B. Fox

   The V-42 First Special Service Force Knife is one of the most desirable and sought-after knives of World War II.  It was manufactured by W.R. Case and Sons in 1943, so is often also referred to as the 'Case V-42" as well as simply the "V-42".  Case made over 3000 of these knives for the First Special Service Force, a highly trained, select commando unit consisting of both United States and Canadian soldiers.

   There were, in actuality, four variations of this commando stiletto, but only three were produced in quantity and issued.  Because of the rarity of the V-42, confusion often exists about which variation a particular example in.

   The First Variation is the prototype.  It has a bright blade and is very similar to the second variation, except that the prototype has no thumb print on the ricasso, (the flat area of the blade just below the crossguard), smoother leather washers on the handle, and a blade that is almost 2 inches longer than any of the later versions.  It is believed that only one or two of the prototypes were made; the V-42 was never issued in its prototype form.  (Note: 3 were made, General Frederick caried one and Major Baldwin retained the other two.  Editor).

   The Second Variation has a serrated thumbprint on one side of the ricasso, a rounded and flared pommil, as on the prototype, and a handle with shallow serrations.  The 7 5/16-inch blade was polished bright, as was the crossguard.  It is not know exactly how many of the Second Variation were made, but the number seems to have been very, very few. ( Note: 500, numbered. Editor)

   The Third Variation is exactly the same as the second except that it has a blued blade and a pommel ending in a sharp point instead of being round.  The serrations in the grip were also slightly more pronounced.

   The Fourth Variation very closely resembles the Third except that it had a shorter ricasso and consequently a shorter thumbprint.

   The ricassos on the Second and Third Variations are 1 9/16 inches long and the thumbprints consist of 21 grooves.  On the Fourth Variation the ricasso is 1 3/8 inches long and the thumbprint consists of 18 grooves.

   Just about all of the V-42s that were issued to the First Special Forces are Third Variations with the long ricasso and long thumbprint and Fourth Variation with the short ricassos and short thumbprint.  On all the V-42's the crossguard was bright metal though many will be found with the crossguard painted black.  All V-42's were issued with a rather crude long brown leather scabbard which is 20 inches long.

   To sum up, the major differences between the variations are:

          Prototype (First Variation)
           .  no thumbprint
           .  round pommel
           .  smooth handle
          Second Variation
           .  thumbprint
           .  round pommel
           .  bright blade
           .  long ricasso and thumbprint
          Third Variation
           .  thumbprint
           .  pointed pommel
           .  blued blade
           .  long ricasso and thumbprint
          Fourth Variation
           .  thumbprint
           .  pointed pommel
           .  blued blade
           .  short ricasso and thumbprint

   The First Special Service Force was a select fighting group with an exciting combat record in World War II.  Any of the special tools created for this elite unit is an exciting find for the military collector, and the graceful and deadly V-42 knife is certainly the prime collectors' item from this unique unit.  Fortunate indeed is the collector who has even one V-42 knife in his collection, let alone several variations!
March 16, 2009 at 10:08 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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