V-42 stiletto V-42 stiletto The V-42 stiletto was a stiletto and fighting knife issued during World War II to the First Special Service Force (1st SSF, a.k.a. Devil's Brigade), a joint Canadian/American commando unit. 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. The V-42 was primarily designed by officers of the FSSF, including its commanding officer, Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick, who desired a close-quarters combat knife. The blade's design has been attributed to Col. Frederick, who had
United States Marine Raider stiletto the tie-down thong. This gave more room on their web belt and made both the pistol and stiletto available to the right hand. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was issued the U.S. Marine Raider stiletto. Their U.S.-made stiletto was identical to the Raiders except it had a parkerized blade and the hilt without the U.S.M.C. scroll and without the maker's name etched on the blade. It is believed that, as part of the original production run, perhaps about 500 parkerized units were manufactured. Roy C. Rushton, who served as a sniper with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, reported about the