The V-42 Dagger was issued during World War II to the 1st Special Service Force (Devil's Brigade), a joint Canadian/American commando unit.
History
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".
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 pictured on the crest of the United States Army Special Forces.
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.
Specifications
The V-42 weighs 7 ounces (0.20 kg), with a 7-inch (18 cm) blade and 5.5-inch (14 cm) handle, for a total length of 12.5 inches (32 cm).
Its features include a sharp blade and a sturdy handle with a skull-cracking butt.
Reproductions
A replica version, based upon the original, is now being made by swordsmith Paul Chen and sold through Hanwei.
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.
Smith Tactical Systems offers an updated version of the V-42, including a thicker blade and kydex sheath.
Previous reproductions include one by W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. manufactured in the 1980s and discontinued in 1993, and one manufactured by Sheffield based H.G. Long Co.in 1990 for the John Ek Commando Knife Company in the US. (pictured below)
Specs:
Overall length: 31,8 cm
Blade length: 18,0 cm
Cutting edges: 15,0 cm
Blade width: 13,0 cm (ricasso)
Blade thickness: 4,0 mm
Steel: Black coated spring steel
Hardness: 57-58 HRC
Handle: Leather and brass washers
Guard width: 7,0 cm
Guard thickness: 4,0 mm
Blackened Steel Skullcrusher
This replica V42 dagger is my own, and the only "John EK" knife in my collection, and i'm quite happy with it 
